Classic Negroni Recipe

Master this iconic Italian cocktail with our perfect homemade Negroni recipe. Learn how to balance premium gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth for the best classic aperitif experience. This easy craft cocktail recipe features the signature bitter-sweet profile that has made it a worldwide favorite.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

3 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

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>

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

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Classic Negroni Recipe?

A Classic Negroni requires equal parts (30ml each) of gin (preferably London Dry), Campari (the bitter Italian aperitivo), and sweet vermouth. It's garnished with an orange peel and served over a large ice cube or regular ice for proper dilution and temperature.

How to make Classic Negroni Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Classic Negroni Recipe by combining equal parts (30ml each) of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Finish by expressing an orange peel over the surface and using it as garnish for a perfect balance of bitter-sweet complexity.

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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