Negroni Cocktail Recipe

2019 is a big year for the Negroni cocktail. Why? Well, the cocktail that was originally crafted in Florence, Italy (top 5 fav city), was crafted exactly 100 years ago this year. So happy 100th birthday to another timeless, classic cocktail. Check out the Aperol Spritz for another timeless classic Italian cocktail.

What Is A Negroni?

The classic Negroni recipe is made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—plus an orange peel ‘garnish’. I like to cheat a little and add orange bitters. It gives the drink a little extra subtle orange flavor making it a tad more refreshing.

What Does a Negroni Taste Like?

The first time I tasted a Negroni was a few years ago, and to be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan. The cocktail is bitter with a subtle touch of sweetness thanks to the Campari and vermouth (two bitter spirits). You should really use a dry gin, so overall it’s not an overly fruity drink to the novice negroni drinker.

That being said, if you properly extract the orange peel oils into the cocktail. You’ll release a whole nose of flavors you didn’t think were possible. In fact, this may be one of the most critical cocktails to nail the orange twist (no, it’s not just a garnish, but a REAL flavor element in the drink). Don’t believe me? try your Negroni before and after you add an orange twist. It adds enough aroma to trick your senses.

Moral of the story, I like Negronis now. It’s certainly an acquired taste, but a refreshing and addicting summer cocktail if you give it a chance.

You’ll Also Love

• Boulevardier
• Manhattan
• Gin old fashioned
• Gin martini
• Cucumber gin and elderflower

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