The Negroni stands as a classic cocktail that brings together gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in perfect balance.
A traditional Negroni recipe calls for equal parts (1 ounce each) of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. You stir these with ice and garnish with an orange peel.
This Italian drink started in Florence around 1919. Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to make his Americano cocktail stronger by swapping soda water with gin. The bright red color and bitter-sweet taste made it popular at bars across Italy and later worldwide.
The Old Fashioned Negroni adds a small twist to the classic recipe by using an aged gin or adding a touch of bourbon. This change creates extra depth while keeping the drink’s core elements that people love.
Old Fashioned Negroni Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer
- Rocks glass
- Ice cube tray for large cubes
- Peeler or knife for orange garnish
Ingredients
- 1 oz 30ml London dry gin
- 1 oz 30ml Campari
- 1 oz 30ml sweet vermouth
- Large ice cube for serving
- Orange peel for garnish
The quality of ingredients matters. Choose a good London dry gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater. For sweet vermouth, brands like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi di Torino work well.
Instructions
- Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1 oz each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
- Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Cut a strip of orange peel about 2 inches long.
- Twist the orange peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it in as garnish.
Notes
Best Tried & Tested Equipment
| Product Image | Our Recommended Equipment | Check Offers! |
|---|---|---|
 | Compact Smoothie Blender | Buy On Amazon |
Top
Top | Glass Cocktail Shaker Set | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Briout Jigger for Bartending | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Briout Bar Spoon Cocktail Mixing Stirrers for Drink | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Winco Stainless Steel 4-Prong Bar Strainer | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Crystal Whiskey Glasses | Buy On Amazon |
Top | 13oz Highball Glasses | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Superb Martini Glasses Drinking Set | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Italian Red Wine Glasses | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass Set | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The Old Fashioned Negroni greets the nose with bright citrus aromas from the orange garnish and herbal botanicals from the gin.
The first sip reveals a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
The Campari provides a pleasant bitterness while the sweet vermouth adds notes of caramel and dried fruit.
Gin’s juniper and botanical notes shine through the mix, creating layers of flavor. The drink has a silky texture that coats the palate.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Bitter orange peel
- Sweet herbs
- Juniper
- Caramel
- Dried fruits
- Warm spices
The finish is long and complex, with bitter and sweet elements that linger. The orange garnish adds fresh citrus oils that complement the drink’s other flavors.
This cocktail has a medium body and smooth mouthfeel. The mix of spirits creates a warming sensation that makes it perfect for slow sipping.
A light citrus aroma stays present throughout each sip. The drink maintains its balance from start to finish without any single ingredient overpowering the others.
Substitute
The classic Negroni can be made with different spirits and ingredients to create unique variations. Each substitute changes the flavor profile while keeping the basic structure of the drink.
Base Spirit Substitutes:
- Bourbon instead of gin creates a Boulevardier.
- Mezcal creates a smoky Negroni.
- Prosecco makes a Negroni Sbagliato.
Campari Alternatives:
- Aperol gives a lighter, less bitter taste.
- Gran Classico offers more herbal notes.
- Select Aperitivo adds complexity.
Sweet Vermouth Options:
- Carpano Antica Formula brings vanilla notes.
- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino adds spice.
- Punt e Mes increases bitterness.
These substitutions work best when matched in equal parts, just like the original recipe. Mixing different alternatives can lead to new and interesting versions of this cocktail.
Many bars keep several of these ingredients on hand to offer customers different takes on the classic drink. Each variation maintains the balance of bitter, sweet, and strong that makes the Negroni special.
