Name: Negroni Cocktail Recipe | Perfect Aperitif
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 ounce gin; 2 ounce sweet vermouth; 2 ounce Campari; 2 lemon twists ((or orange))

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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.

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.

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 the 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!