Negroni Cocktail Recipe

The Negroni is one of my favorite classic cocktails, with its crisp, bittersweet flavor and straightforward prep. A Negroni is made with just three main ingredients: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, mixed in equal parts.

It’s easy to make at home, whether I’m hosting friends or just winding down after a long day. I like that the Negroni doesn’t require any complicated steps or rare spirits.

With the right tools and a few minutes, anyone can enjoy this timeless drink. If you want to learn how to mix a perfect Negroni, the step-by-step recipe below should help.

Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Negroni Cocktail Recipe
I find the Negroni to be a classic, balanced drink that’s easy to make and only needs a few simple ingredients and tools. The method is quick, and getting the steps right really brings out its signature flavor.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Mixing glass: I use this to combine ingredients and chill the drink evenly.
  • Bar spoon: This helps me stir the mixture without diluting it too quickly.
  • Jigger: I measure each liquor to get the right Negroni balance.
  • Strainer: If my mixing glass doesn’t include a strainer, I use a Hawthorne strainer.
  • Old-fashioned glass (or rocks glass): The Negroni is served in a short, sturdy glass.
  • Ice: I use large ice cubes for stirring and serving; they melt slower and keep the drink cold.
  • Vegetable peeler or knife: I need this for cutting a fresh orange peel for garnish.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce 30 ml Gin
  • 1 ounce 30 ml Campari
  • 1 ounce 30 ml Sweet Vermouth
  • Ice
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill the mixing glass about halfway with ice.
  • Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, using the jigger to measure equal parts of each.
  • Stir the mixture gently with the bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds, just until it’s well chilled and diluted slightly.
  • Place a large ice cube in the old-fashioned glass.
  • Strain the mixed drink into the serving glass over the ice.
  • Cut a strip of orange peel.
  • Hold it over the drink and give it a gentle twist to release the oils,
  • Then drop it in as garnish.

Notes

I prefer to use freshly opened vermouth and keep it stored in the fridge to preserve its flavor. Some people like a more gin-forward taste and might add a bit more gin.
I really wouldn’t skip the orange peel—the oils matter for aroma. If I want a less bitter taste, sometimes I’ll add a splash of club soda on top to make a Negroni Sbagliato, though that’s technically a variation.
I avoid shaking this cocktail; stirring helps keep the flavors clear. Always use fresh ice for best results.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

When I sip a Negroni, the first flavors I notice are bitter orange and herbal notes. The Campari brings a distinct bitterness, which is balanced by the sweet vermouth.

I also get a lingering finish that’s both dry and slightly sweet. The bitterness stays on my tongue.

The drink often feels rich and smooth. The orange peel, used as a garnish, gives a fresh aroma and a subtle citrus oil flavor.

I enjoy how each sip combines all these flavors. Some people might find the Negroni strong, but I appreciate its bold character and clean taste.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have all the classic Negroni ingredients lying around. In those moments, I’ll reach for substitutes to whip up something close enough.

Gin Substitutes:

  • Vodka—gives you a lighter, less botanical vibe
  • White rum if I’m in the mood for a different twist

Campari Substitutes:

  • Aperol, which is a bit sweeter and not as bitter
  • Cappelletti or another red bitter aperitif—whatever’s in the cabinet

Sweet Vermouth Substitutes:

  • Lillet Rouge, for something less herbal
  • Red wine with a splash of simple syrup, just to get a hint of sweetness in there

I stick to the usual measurements, even with the swaps. Keeps things simple.

Basic Substitute Negroni Instructions:

  • Equipment:
    • Mixing glass
    • Bar spoon
    • Strainer
    • Old-fashioned glass
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 oz substitute spirit (gin, vodka, or rum)
    • 1 oz substitute bitter (Campari, Aperol, or other)
    • 1 oz substitute vermouth (sweet vermouth, Lillet Rouge, or red wine mix)
    • Ice
    • Orange peel—if I’ve got one handy
  • Instructions:
    • Dump everything into a mixing glass with ice.
    • Stir it up until it’s nice and cold.
    • Strain into an old-fashioned glass packed with fresh ice.
    • Add an orange peel on top, if that’s your thing.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

Similar Posts

Chamomile Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe
| |

Chamomile Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe

Blueberry Lavender Collins Cocktail Recipe
|

Blueberry Lavender Collins Cocktail Recipe

Elderflower Gin Sangria Cocktail Recipe
|

Elderflower Gin Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Clover Club Revisited Cocktail Recipe
|

Clover Club Revisited Cocktail Recipe

Blackberry Thyme Bramble Cockatil Recipe
|

Blackberry Thyme Bramble Cocktail Recipe

Blackberry Bramble Cocktail Recipe
|

Blackberry Bramble Cocktail Recipe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating