When it comes to historic cocktails, few light a candle to the behemoth that is the Negroni. It’s a staple of the cocktail world for a number of reasons, not least that it’s bold yet balanced, bitter yet sweet, and sophisticated yet simple. It’s a versatile classic and demands to be mastered, whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a humble home bartender looking to impress a few friends. In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the origins of the Negroni, what makes it a premier fixture in the alcohol game, and what it takes to perfect it.
Negroni: Origins
Legend has it that the Negroni was born in 1919 at Caffè Casoni in Florence, Italy, when its creator, Count Camillo Negroni, asked for a stronger version of his favourite cocktail, the Americano. This the bartender obliged by replacing the soda water with gin, and the Negroni cocktail was born. From humble, fortuitous Mediterranean beginnings to worldwide reverence.
It’s a drink that’s now known and beloved the world over, standing the test of time by virtue of its simplicity and bold flavour. It has inspired myriad variations from all corners of the globe, but the original recipe remains a gold standard for cocktail enthusiasts.
The Classic Negroni Recipe
The delight of a Negroni partly lies within its equal-parts formula, making it one of the easiest cocktails to prepare, but still one of the most sophisticated. With equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth (with a little ice and some orange people for garnish), you’re well on your way:
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Fill up a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
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Pour in the equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
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Stir well for 30 seconds until well chilled.
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Strain to a rocks glass filled with ice.
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Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.
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Enjoy!
It’s foolproof, tasty, and classy, but leaves plenty of room for experimentation, which is ideal for the aficionados who want to scratch their creative gin itches.
Make sure you’re investing in quality gin to be sure of the highest quality Negroni possible.
Negroni Variations
There’s no doubt that the classic Negroni is one of the quintessential cocktails. But that’s not to say that a few amendments here and there are to be sniffed at. If you’re looking for a different spirit base, a lighter version, or an entirely new flavour profile, these Negroni variations are worth your time.
White Negroni
If you’re angling for a Negroni with a little less bitterness, the White Negroni might be the way to go. Lighter and herbal in flavour, this variation is gentian-based, replaces the Campari with Suze and sweet vermouth with dry vermouth, and is ideal for anyone craving a floral touch to their Negroni.
Boulevardier
To enhance the spirit prominence of your Negroni, you might consider swapping the gin for bourbon, and that would give you the Boulevardier. Richer, warmer, and naturally tailored to the tastes of whisky-lovers, the Boulevardier marries the smooth warmth of bourbon with the bitterness of Campari and the depth of sweet vermouth.
For more detail on how whisky and gin differ from one another, see our guide.
Mezcal Negroni
Like the Boulevardier, making a Mezcal Negroni is simply a matter of swapping spirits. For this variation, substitute the gin for mezcal. What’s created is an earthier drink, with smoky zephyrs complimenting the Campari’s bitter notes, culminating in a unique, exciting cocktail experience that’s perfect for anyone looking to push the boat out.
Sbagliato
For those looking for something lighter than the Boulevardier and less earthy than the Mezcal, a Sbagliato is the perfect compromise. With prosecco in for gin, this variation is light and effervescent, ideal for celebrations and brunches, perfectly bubbly and refreshing, and with just the right level of everything.
Food Pairings for a Negroni
The Negroni-drinking experience can be easily enhanced with the right food to go alongside it. By complimenting its bold, bitter flavouring, you can heighten the experience and really bring out the best of the Negroni cocktail. Here are some food choices that will do exactly that:
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Charcuterie Board: The rich and salty delights of rich cheeses (like Manchego or aged cheddar) with salty cured meats (like prosciutto and salami) contrast perfectly with the Negroni’s bitterness.
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Bruschetta: The sweet acids of tomatoes meld perfectly with the bright flavours of garlic and basil to enhance and develop the tastes of the Negroni, which in turn will do the same to the bruschetta.
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Dark Chocolate: Indulgent and compelling, dark chocolate is the perfect snack food to go alongside the Negroni, this time mirroring the cocktail’s profile with its bittersweet balance.
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Citrus Dishes: Heighten the orange notes of your Negroni with citrus-infused dishes like salad or grilled fish with a lemon vinaigrette, creating a light, refreshing, and harmonious pairing.
The possibilities are almost endless, and certain foods will go better with certain Negroni variations. From olives to grilled steak, the Negroni is versatile and non-discriminatory, and can help bring a meal to life by mirroring or complimenting its flavours.
Looking for other pairing ideas? See our gin and cheese guide.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Negroni
It might be a simple drink to make, but attention to detail and quality of ingredients can truly elevate the taste of your Negroni.
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As there’s only three core ingredients–gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth–each needs to be in perfect condition.
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The quality of your gin cannot be overstated. High-quality gin, such as Filey Distillery’s signature gin, crafted with a meticulous selection of botanicals and a refined distillation process, provides the ideal nuanced flavour profile.
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It’s essential to stir rather than shake the cocktail, or else it might lose its smooth texture and become diluted or frothy, which will keep the flavours separate.
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Large ice cubes are also preferred as they melt more slowly, which keeps the Negroni from watering down too quickly and losing its integrity.
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A little ratio experimentation never goes amiss–-a little stronger gin presence for those wanting some spirit-forward notes will work a treat.
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Lastly, make sure to garnish properly, as expressing the oils from an orange peel over the Negroni not only makes it look nicer, but also enhances the aroma and flavour, creating that multi-sensory experience that the Negroni is renowned for.
Conclusion
And that’s our deep dive on the timeless cocktail that is the Negroni. Historic, artistic, and sophisticated, the Negroni is a drink for a variety of occasions and to go with a wide array of foods. A little bit of Mediterranean luxury made at low cost and with little effort. Cin cin!
