The history of the Negroni dates back to early 20th century Italy when Count Camillo Negroni asked for a stronger version of his favorite cocktail, the Americano. Whether or not this story is true, the Negroni has established itself as a classic among the ranks of the Manhattan and Martini. The classic recipe, which combines gin, sweet vermouth, and bitter Campari in equal parts, creates a perfectly balanced libation that harmonizes the botanicals of the gin with the sweet and bitter flavors of the other two ingredients.
The Negroni stands out among classic cocktails with its vibrant red hue, reminiscent of the clear Martini and rich Manhattan. Yet, beneath its cheerful appearance lies a pleasantly sharp bitterness. While it may require an acquired taste, the Negroni’s undeniable influence on the world of mixology cannot be ignored. Every September during “Negroni Week” bars and restaurants around the world mix classic Negronis and Negroni variations in support of the global Slow Food movement. Countless variations of this iconic drink exist, each with a recipe to suit every mood and palate.
The History of The Negroni
The story goes that once Count Negroni ordered his new cocktail in 1919, the recipe spread around Italy, where guests would ask for a drink “à la Negroni” before shortening to the last word only. The libation was slow to take hold in Prohibition America, though, where sweeter, easier-to-drink cocktails were all the rage.
The drink had its moments in the club scene of the 1970s and the cocktail revival of the 2000s. But it wasn’t until 2020 that the Negroni’s popularity in the US surged, thanks in part to a viral video of Stanley Tucci crafting one for his wife. While once a symbol of cocktail expertise, it has become a go-to libation for home bartenders seeking to perfect their craft. Its simple equal-parts, three-ingredient format makes it accessible to even the most novice home bartender.
Negroni Variations
The recipe for the Negroni is simple — three ingredients stirred together make a complex spirit-forward cocktail. Because its uncomplicated format, it makes it easy to create subtle variations and new favorites.
The Spirit Ratio — The original recipe is one part gin, one part sweet vermouth, and one part Campari.
*Whiskey variation – sub bourbon or rye whiskey for the gin for a Boulevardier
*Mezcal variation – sub mezcal for the gin for a Mezcal Negroni
*Rum variation – sub Jamaican rum for gin for a Kingston Negroni
The Garnish — The classic Negroni garnish is an orange peel.
The Preparation — The drink is traditionally stirred until chilled, then strained into an Old Fashioned cocktail glass full of large ice cubes.
1. Negroni
Experience the unparalleled balance and complexity of the timeless classic that is the Negroni. Crafted by combining equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, this exquisite Italian aperitivo embodies sophistication and simplicity. A must-try for any discerning cocktail connoisseur.
2. Mezcal Negroni
By substituting a single ingredient from the original recipe, a whole new cocktail is born. The Mezcal Negroni, featuring the distinctive smoky essence of the agave spirit in lieu of gin, remains faithful to the balanced proportions. The outcome is a remarkable amalgamation of smoky flavors and delightful bitterness, captivating the world of mixology with its charm.
3. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier, a captivating cocktail, originated at the renowned Harry’s Bar in Paris during the 1920s. Its distinctive taste can be likened to a delightful combination of a bittersweet Manhattan and a whiskey Negroni. With shared ingredients of bourbon and sweet vermouth with the Manhattan, and Campari and sweet vermouth with the Negroni, the Boulevardier’s recipe showcases harmony and complexity. The inclusion of bourbon enhances the intriguing interplay of the Campari and sweet vermouth, resulting in a truly indulgent and captivating experience.
4. White Negroni
The White Negroni, through some clever replacements, preserves the fundamental nature of the original cocktail – a bold and bitter flavor – while also offering a delicate and floral experience. Crafted in 2001 by a skilled British mixologist residing in France, this exquisite libation, consisting of gin, Suze gentian liqueur, and Lillet blanc, has achieved the status of a contemporary masterpiece, inspiring countless variations of its own.
5. Negroni Sbagliato
Negroni Sbagliato, when translated literally, signifies a “mistaken” Negroni. Legend has it that a proficient bartender in Milan unintentionally reached for a bottle of prosecco instead of gin. However, the outcome is far from being a mishap. Crafted with the harmonious blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling wine, the result is a delightful, effervescent spritz that offers a lighter alternative to the original concoction. This variation is particularly suited for those who seek a less bitter taste experience in their Negroni journey.
6. Americano
The predecessor of the Negroni emerged as a beloved Italian classic during the 1900s. Delighting the palate with its balanced composition, the Americano presents a revitalizing libation crafted from a harmonious blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. Transporting you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, this exquisite concoction serves as a splendid choice for those in pursuit of a lighter, yet equally satisfying, low-alcohol option.
7. Spicy Negroni
The Negroni was bound to undergo some heat infusion sooner or later, aptly named the Spicy Negroni. This variation takes advantage of a smoky foundation of mezcal, incorporates the fiery essence of chile liqueur and habañero bitters for an added kick, and blends harmoniously with the well-known combination of Campari and sweet vermouth. The end result is a tantalizingly spicy cocktail that successfully maintains its intricate complexity and robust flavors.
8. Frozen Negroni
Indulge in the Frozen Negroni, a delightful twist perfect for summer sipping. By substituting Campari with Aperol, incorporating grapefruit bitters, maintaining the sweet vermouth, and increasing the proportion of gin, you’ll create a refreshing concoction that pays homage to the classic Negroni. Blend these ingredients with ice, and voila!
9. Kingston Negroni
Less is more when it comes to ingredients in the Kingston Negroni. By substituting gin with a distinctive Jamaican rum and combining it with unapologetically sweet vermouth and the traditional bitter Campari, a one-of-a-kind and intricately layered libation is born. Experience the unique complexity of the Kingston Negroni.
10. Endless Summer
The Endless Summer cocktail, a delightful concoction comprising gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and pineapple juice, presents a tropical rendition of the iconic Negroni. Imagine it as a Negroni taking a well-deserved vacation, offering an alluring blend of luscious sweetness, tantalizing bitterness, and vibrant fruity notes. It’s an absolute must-try for those seeking a refreshing and exotic libation.
11. Wrapped in Rye
The Wrapped in Rye presents a delightful variation of the timeless Negroni by incorporating rye whiskey instead of gin, complemented by Campari, sweet vermouth, and the subtly herbaceous Cynar. Its distinguishing feature lies in the fact that this heated blend is served warm, delivering a soothing protection against the cold of winter.
12. Left Hand
Crafted by the acclaimed mixologist Sam Ross, renowned for his creations like the Penicillin and Paper Plane cocktails, the Left Hand cocktail takes shape. Meticulously balanced and enhanced by the infusion of chocolate bitters, the Left Hand emerges as a captivating libation, uniquely blending the essences of a Negroni and a Manhattan. This modern classic encapsulates the undeniable influence of these iconic beverages, resulting in a harmonious amalgamation that is sure to captivate discerning drinkers.
13. Toffee Negroni
The absence of toffee in the Toffee Negroni does not diminish its well-deserved name or delectable taste. Through the artful blend of rum, sherry, and Aperol, this Negroni variation skillfully highlights delightful nutty and caramel notes. By embracing alternative ingredients, this cocktail pays a respectful homage to the classic negroni while delivering a harmoniously balanced flavor profile. Indulge in the exquisite allure of the Toffee Negroni and savor its unique and delectable character.
14. Drunk Uncle
Experience the perfect harmony of smoky Scotch whisky and herbaceous bitterness with the captivating Drunk Uncle cocktail. This exceptional concoction puts a delightful twist on the renowned Negroni, expertly replacing the customary ingredients of Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin with Cynar, a remarkable bittersweet amaro derived from artichokes, along with bianco vermouth and Scotch. The result? A luxuriously rich, delightfully smoky, and exquisitely bittersweet libation that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in the Drunk Uncle and elevate your Negroni game to extraordinary levels.
FAQ
How do you make a Negroni taste less bitter?
The bitterness of Campari in a Negroni can be an acquired taste. To achieve a less bitter Negroni try splitting the amaro half and half with Aperol or replacing it completely with your favorite amaro.
Does a Negroni Sbagliato have gin in it?
No. The original recipe replaces gin with prosecco.