There are many Italian cocktails that we insist you sip when you travel to Italy. But, of all of the classic Italian cocktails, one we have the most affinity for is the Negroni Cocktail. This cocktail has a pedigree: it is over 100 years old, hails from Florence, and has a count to thank for its origin!
When I lived in Florence, I would order the Classic Negroni Cocktail as part of aperitivo. Though it’s served across the city, I often ordered it from the classic cafes in the historic city center like Gilli or Cafe Giacosa (the modern name for Caffe Casoni).
Recipe Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for a Classic Negroni cocktail:
- Ice cubes
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce London Dry Gin
- An orange twist for garnish
How to Make This Recipe
To whip up a classic Negroni, mix a cocktail mixing glass with ice to chill the spirits as they blend. Pour equal parts of Campari, sweet vermouth, and London Dry Gin over the ice. Stir well for about 30 seconds to ensure the mixture is appropriately chilled and the flavors meld beautifully.
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, garnish with a twist of orange or a slice for a citrusy aroma, and serve immediately.
Origin Of The Classic Negroni Cocktail
The story goes that back in 1919 Count Negroni (yes, that was his real name!) asked a bartender at the Caffe Casoni in Florence to make an Americano cocktail with gin instead of soda water.
To this day, a classic Negroni cocktail is equal parts gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari served on the rocks and garnished with an orange peel.
This cocktail is all parts alcohol, so it’s not for the faint of heart, but it doesn’t get more Florentine than sipping on an ice-cold Negroni before dinner.
What to Serve This Recipe With
The bold flavors of a Negroni cocktail pair splendidly with rich, savory appetizers such as charcuterie boards, potato chips, aged cheeses, olive bruschetta, or salted nuts. It’s also the perfect companion to hearty Italian dishes like lasagna or spaghetti carbonara, balancing the richness of the food with its crisp and bitter profile.
Variations On This Recipe
- White Negroni: Substitute Campari with Suze or Cocchi and sweet vermouth with Lillet Blanc for a lighter, more floral variant.
- Boulevardier: Replace gin with bourbon for a whiskey-based version that’s richer and slightly sweeter.
- Negroni Sbagliato: Swap the gin for sparkling wine or Prosecco to enjoy a bubblier, less intense version.
More Gin Cocktails To Try
If you’re a fan of gin, make sure also to try these gin cocktail recipes:
Go stock up on all your cooking essentials, head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
Classic Negroni Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce London Dry Gin
- orange twist
Instructions
- To Mix A Negroni Cocktail: Place ice in a cocktail mixing glass then add all the liquor. Stir with a bar spoon until the mixing glass is chilled. Strain mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice, top with an orange twist, or a slice of orange, and serve.
