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.
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.
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 before, I’ll describe it for you. 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.
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.
Step two
Measure out 2 ounces of gin.
Step two
Measure out 2 ounces of sweet vermouth.
Step three
Measure out 2 ounces of Campari.
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.
Place the twists in the glasses.
Although I like the front glass, I LOVE the bubble bottom glass that I got at Crate and Barrel.
I love to use differently styled glasses to keep my cocktails interesting.
And another view!
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 what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Negroni Cocktail Recipe | Perfect Aperitif
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 Campari2 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 twists2 lemon twists
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- 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
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, 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.
This is my favorite aperitif, hands down!
I have to say it is mine too. Thanks Joyce.
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.
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.
This cocktail looks sooo perfectly tasty! I love that it has a combination of bitter and sweet. So excited!
Thanks Dennis. I appreciate it.
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!
You’re welcome. I love mixing cocktails and if you break it down, it’s so easy. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Shelley.
This cocktail looks so gorgeous. Love bitter and sweet combo. Pinned.
Thanks Kushi! 🙂
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!
I think you’ll like it Nicoletta! 🙂 Cheers and thank you.
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!
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. 🙂
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.
Thanks so much Cindy, I appreciate it. 🙂 I love having a negroni before dinner.
This is one of my favorites drinks to have after a long day. I love how simple and easy the recipe is! Delicious!
Thanks Jamie. Me too! It’s the perfect sipping drink.
Oh, I love sweet vermouth. I will have to give this cocktail a try. It’s simple and looks fantastic!
Just remember it’s going to be bitter too. 🙂 And I love sweet vermouth too. 🙂
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.
Fun Kari! Thanks for your comment!