Coffee Negroni Recipe

A bold fusion of classic bitter-sweet Negroni elements with rich cold brew coffee undertones, creating a sophisticated caffeine-infused aperitivo experience.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A Coffee Negroni captured in dramatic low-key lighting with sharp highlights accentuating the drink's deep amber-ruby color transitioning to dark coffee tones. The cocktail rests in a crystal rocks glass with a large crystal-clear ice cube, where thin swirls of coffee create mesmerizing patterns within the drink. A perfectly twisted orange peel garnish rests on the rim, with essential oils glistening on the surface. Soft backlighting illuminates the translucent edges of the drink, showcasing its silky texture and complex layering of Campari, gin, vermouth, and cold brew. Condensation beads on the outside of the glass catch ambient light, suggesting the perfect serving temperature.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml gin</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">30ml cold brew coffee concentrate</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange peel for garnish</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">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large ice cube mold (optional)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your glass by adding a large ice cube or several smaller cubes to chill it while you mix the cocktail. A properly chilled glass will maintain the ideal drinking temperature longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your mixing glass halfway with ice — ideally larger cubes that will melt more slowly, preventing over-dilution while still properly chilling the drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and add 30ml of gin, 30ml of Campari, 30ml of sweet vermouth, and 30ml of cold brew coffee concentrate to your mixing glass. The equal parts create a perfectly balanced cocktail where no single element overpowers the others.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Using your bar spoon, stir the cocktail gently for about 30 seconds with a smooth, continuous motion. You're aiming to chill and slightly dilute the drink without introducing air bubbles, which preserves the silky texture that makes this cocktail special.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Discard the ice from your pre-chilled rocks glass, and strain the cocktail into it over fresh ice. If using a large ice cube, the drink will dilute more slowly as you enjoy it, maintaining its complex flavors longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cut a strip of orange peel about 5cm long and 2cm wide. Hold the peel skin-side down over the drink and gently twist to express the essential oils onto the surface of the cocktail. This adds a bright aromatic quality that complements both the bitter Campari and rich coffee notes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Run the peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the aromatic experience, then place it decoratively in or on the drink as garnish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Let the cocktail rest for about 30 seconds before serving to allow all flavors to fully integrate. The coffee will have mellowed the Campari's bitterness while adding its own deep complexity, creating a sophisticated evolution of the classic Negroni.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 220 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 15 g
🍭 Sugar: 12 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 8 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best type of coffee to use in a coffee-infused Negroni?

For the best results, use a cold brew coffee concentrate rather than hot brewed coffee. Choose a medium to dark roast with chocolate or nutty notes that complement the bitter Campari. Single-origin beans from Ethiopia or Colombia work particularly well with the cocktail's complex profile.

Can I batch prepare this caffeinated cocktail for parties?

Yes, you can pre-batch the gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in a bottle and refrigerate for up to a month. Add the cold brew coffee just before serving to preserve its freshness. Scale the recipe by maintaining equal proportions of all ingredients for perfect balance.

What's a good non-alcoholic substitute for Campari in this recipe?

For a non-alcoholic version, replace Campari with Giffard Aperitif syrup, Lyre's Italian Orange, or a homemade alternative using pomegranate juice, orange peel, and gentian root tea. Maintain the cold brew component and add a splash of tonic water for complexity.

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