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Classic Negroni Recipe

Classic Negroni Recipe

By What’s Baking

A perfect trinity of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth creating a ruby-red elixir with bitter-sweet complexity and herbaceous depth that unfolds with every sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal rocks glass containing a luminous ruby-red Negroni rests on a polished wooden bar top bathed in warm amber lighting. The cocktail's surface gleams with the clarity achieved through proper stirring, showcasing a single large ice cube slowly melting at its center. A vibrant orange peel, expertly twisted to release its essential oils, rests on the rim, its citrus brightness contrasting with the cocktail's deep crimson hue. Reflections of bottle silhouettes create depth in the background, emphasizing the cocktail's jewel-like quality and the timeless atmosphere of a classic Italian aperitivo experience.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml gin (London Dry style recommended)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml Campari</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi di Torino)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange peel for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Large ice cube or regular ice cubes</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Paring knife or citrus peeler</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Add a large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes to your rocks glass to chill it while you prepare the cocktail. This pre-chilling step ensures your Negroni stays at the perfect temperature longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your mixing glass about two-thirds full with ice. The quality of ice matters—use clear, fresh ice for the cleanest-tasting cocktail, as old ice can impart off-flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and pour 30ml gin into your mixing glass. The botanicals in your chosen gin will significantly impact the final flavor—London Dry styles provide classic juniper notes that stand up well to Campari's assertiveness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add 30ml Campari to the mixing glass. This bitter Italian aperitivo gives the Negroni its characteristic ruby-red color and complex bitter profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Complete the trinity with 30ml sweet vermouth. The vermouth's herbal sweetness balances Campari's bitterness—quality matters here, so use a premium vermouth and store it in the refrigerator after opening.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Stir gently but thoroughly with your bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. You're aiming for proper dilution and temperature—the mixing glass should feel very cold to the touch. Stirring (rather than shaking) maintains the cocktail's silky texture and crystal clarity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Discard the ice from your chilled rocks glass and strain the cocktail into it over fresh ice. A large, clear ice cube is traditional and melts slower, preventing over-dilution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cut a piece of orange peel about the size of your thumb. Hold it skin-side down over the cocktail and gently express the oils by pinching the edges, watching as the aromatic citrus oils spread across the surface.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Run the peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the aromatic experience, then place it decoratively in or on the cocktail. The orange oils complement both the bitter Campari and the botanical gin while adding a bright aromatic dimension.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 195 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 11 g
🍭 Sugar: 9 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 10 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Why is a Negroni always stirred rather than shaken?

Negronis are stirred to maintain clarity and silky texture. Shaking would introduce too much dilution, create air bubbles that disrupt the velvety mouthfeel, and cloud the cocktail's beautiful ruby appearance. Proper stirring for 20-30 seconds achieves the ideal temperature and dilution without compromising aesthetics.

What's the best vermouth to use for an authentic Italian aperitivo experience?

Premium Italian sweet vermouths like Carpano Antica Formula, Cocchi di Torino, or Cinzano Rosso offer the authentic complexity needed. These vermouths provide the perfect herbal sweetness to balance Campari's bitterness. Always store opened vermouth in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 months for optimal flavour.

Can I batch Negronis for a party, and how should they be served?

Yes, Negronis batch beautifully. Combine equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in a bottle without ice and refrigerate. When serving, pour 90ml per drink over fresh ice and garnish with orange peel. Pre-batching actually allows flavours to integrate, potentially improving the cocktail's complexity.

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