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Negroni Cocktail Recipe | Perfect Aperitif

The Negroni cocktail recipe is a favorite for many people. Its delightful mix of bitter and sweet makes it the perfect aperitif.

The bubble glass in front of the taller double old fashioned glass filled with the red cocktail

This was a cocktail I have had selectively over the years. I only imbibed it when I was visiting people’s houses. I wouldn’t buy one in a bar or restaurant but would accept one made by a friend.

Is there a reason for that? You bet. This cocktail took time to grow on me. But now that it has, I would buy one in a bar and make it at home.

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I’ve come a long way.

With only three ingredients, measured in equal quantities, it’s easy to make, even for novice bartenders. It offers a rare and delightful combination of bitter and sweet that when consumed, helps stimulate your appetite and your digestion.

A little background

The Negroni is said to have been concocted first in Florence, Italy back in the early 1900s. A bartender came up with it when a patron named Count Camillo Negroni asked for a stronger version of an Americano cocktail (which is Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda).

Hence the name.

The Negroni is certainly stronger than the Americano. Not only because there is more booze in it, but it also has a stronger taste.

Campari

If you’ve never had Campari, I’ll describe it. It’s an infusion of herbs and fruits with a bright red color and a bitter taste. Some people would say it is an acquired taste.

It’s bitter and should be sipped, making it a perfect aperitif. You won’t find a sweet cocktail listed as an aperitif.

Here is a great article that explains the difference between an aperitif and digestif.

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Helpful tips

  • You can either build the cocktail directly in the glass or in a cocktail shaker.
  • If you use a shaker, you can either shake it like I did in this recipe or stir it with a cocktail spoon.
  • There are a few different levels of quality sweet vermouth. I love the Carpano Antica Formula brand.
  • You can garnish this cocktail with an orange or lemon twist. I alternate between the two. I used a lemon in this post for the color contrast.
  • I use a channeling knife to make the twist since I want a long, thin piece of garnish.
  • If you don’t have a channeling knife, use a paring knife; just know your garnish may not be as thin as what’s pictured.
  • You can measure out the ingredients in any order. I’m sharing the order I follow.
overhead view of the negroni with an ice cube and lemon twist
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

How to make Negroni cocktail recipe

Pre-step

Get your cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.

Use a channeling knife or another knife to cut the twist for garnish.

After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the cocktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – Campari, gin and sweet vermouth.

Gin, sweet vermouth, campari with the glassware and shaker in the background

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of gin.

Gin measured out with the bottle and glasses in the background

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of sweet vermouth.

Sweet vermouth measured out with the bottle and ice filled shaker in the background

Step three

Measure out 2 ounces of Campari.

Campari measured out with the bottle and shaker in the background

Look at that color!

Step four

Either add a cocktail spoon to the shaker and stir briskly or cap the shaker and shake for 10 seconds.

Place a large ice cube in each glass. Here is the tray I use to make jumbo cubes. Strain and divide the Negroni between the glasses.

Add more ice if you like.

Step five

Gather the twists for garnish.

Two lemon twists in a small white plate with the cocktails behind it in glasses

Place the twists in the glasses.

The taller double old fashioned glass filled with the negroni with the twist as garnish

Although I like the front glass, I LOVE the bubble bottom glass that I got at Crate and Barrel.

Vertical view of the bubble glass filled with the aperitif cocktail in front of a taller glass

I love to use differently styled glasses to keep my cocktails interesting.

Overhead view of the red drink with the lemon twist on top of the ice cubes

And another view!

A bubble glass filled with the cocktail with the taller double old fashioned glass in the background

I hope you enjoyed this Negroni cocktail recipe.

Other fun colorful cocktails

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

A bubble glass filled with the red cocktail with a twist in it - square

Negroni Cocktail Recipe | Perfect Aperitif

This slightly bitter aperitif is loved by many! It is supposed to stimulate the digestion!
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: Cocktails
Keyword: aperitif, negroni, negroni cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Calories: 163kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 ounce gin
  • 2 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 2 ounce Campari

Garnish

  • 2 lemon twists (or orange)

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice
  • Add gin, vermouth and Campari
    2 ounce gin, 2 ounce sweet vermouth, 2 ounce Campari
  • Stir briskly with a cocktail stirrer or cap the shaker and shake for 10 seconds
  • Place a large ice cube in each glass. Strain and divide liquid between the two glasses
  • Add lemon or orange twists
    2 lemon twists
  • Sip
  • Smile
  • Enjoy
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Notes

Helpful tips
  • You can either build the cocktail directly in the glass or in a cocktail shaker.
  • If you use a shaker, you can either shake it like I did in this recipe or stir it with a cocktail spoon.
  • There are a few different levels of quality sweet vermouth. I love the Antica Formula brand.
  • You can garnish this cocktail with an orange or lemon twist. I alternate between the two. I used a lemon in this post for the color contrast.
  • I use a channeling knife to make the twist since I want a long, thin piece of garnish.
  • If you don’t have a channeling knife, use a paring knife; just know your garnish may not be as thin as what’s pictured.
  • You can measure out the ingredients in any order. I’m sharing the order I follow.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g
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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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22 Comments

  1. Well, this is perfect for cocktail hour. Easily made at home, since we cannot go out to restaurants. I think I have all the ingredients.

    1. Great Gloria! It’s one of my favorites especially since it’s a fun sipping cocktail which makes it an awesome before dinner party drink. Thanks for your comment.

  2. This cocktail looks sooo perfectly tasty! I love that it has a combination of bitter and sweet. So excited!

  3. What a lovely cocktail! I have to admit, though – I’ve never attempted to make one at home (I’m a pretty novice mixologist lol!). I had no idea it was so easy to make this absolute classic – seriously, just three ingredients in equal amounts. Can’t get easier! Thank you!

    1. You’re welcome. I love mixing cocktails and if you break it down, it’s so easy. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Shelley.

  4. Negroni has such a gorgeous color! Even though I’m Italian I’ve never had one, just a Campari. Will be fun to make it at home!

  5. I’ve had Campari before but never Negroni. You’re right when you say that liking Campari is an acquired taste. After having it first in Italy and sometimes at home to remind me of my trip, I can now say I like it. Now it’ time to move onto the Negroni!

    1. I wish that I had it in Italy when I went. I’d love to see how they made it. 🙂 Thanks for your comment Naiby. 🙂

  6. This is one of my favorite drinks and your photos are gorgeous. Love this recipe too! It tasted just like the first negroni I tasted in Italy.

  7. This is one of my favorites drinks to have after a long day. I love how simple and easy the recipe is! Delicious!

  8. This sounds like such an interesting blend of flavours. I don’t take alcohol straight but you have my brain thinking of many ways I can incorporate this blend into other drinks.

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