Negroni

The cocktail of perfect balance: one part gin (strength and spice), one part sweet vermouth (body and sweetness), one part Campari (bitterness and colour). Legend has it that Count Camillo Negroni asked in Florence to strengthen his favourite Americano cocktail with gin instead of soda. The result is an aperitif icon that 'opens' the stomach before dinner.
🕒 Prep Time 3 mins
Total Time 3 mins
🍽️ Servings 1 servings
🔥 Calories 190 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing glass (or the glass itself)
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer (if using a mixing glass)

Allergen Information

⚠️ Sulphur dioxide (in vermouth)

Instructions

1

Fill a low glass (Old Fashioned) with large ice cubes.

Tip: Large ice surface chills well, but melts slower due to smaller total surface area, so it doesn't dilute the drink too fast.
2

Pour the gin, Campari, and vermouth into the glass.

Tip: The 1:1:1 ratio is classic, but if you prefer it drier, you can increase the proportion of gin.
3

Stir with the bar spoon for 20-30 seconds. This is the most important step!

Tip: During stirring (dilution), the water melting from the ice smooths out the harsh taste of the alcohol and binds the flavours. Without proper dilution, the drink is too potent.
4

Cut a piece of orange peel (without pith). Hold it over the glass with the coloured side facing down and squeeze it ('spray' the oil onto it), then rub the rim of the glass with it and drop it into the drink.

Tip: Our nose senses the orange oil before our tongue tastes the drink; this prepares the taste buds.

Recipe FAQ

Can I shake it in a shaker?
Never! A Negroni consists only of clear spirits (no pulpy juice), so it must be stirred. Shaking introduces air bubbles and makes it cloudy, whereas this drink should be crystal clear and silky.

Ingredients

  • 30 ml London Dry Gin
  • 30 ml Campari
  • 30 ml Sweet red vermouth (e.g., Carpano Antica or Martini Rosso)
  • 1 piece Orange peel (cut with a potato peeler)
  • 1 serving Ice cubes (large)