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Negroni

ClassicStirred5 Min Yield: 1 Cocktail
Negroni

Equal parts and endless arguments. The Negroni is the rare classic that asks for nothing but balance: gin for backbone, Campari for the beautiful bitterness, and sweet vermouth to pull the two together over ice.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

  • 1oz (30ml) gin, London dry style
  • 1oz (30ml) Campari
  • 1oz (30ml) sweet vermouth
  • Orange peel, for garnish
  • 1 large clear ice cube
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Method

  1. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for 25 to 30 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
  4. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

Tip: Sweet vermouth is wine. Once the bottle is open, keep it in the fridge and use it within a few weeks, or the whole drink tastes tired.

Variations

  • Boulevardier. Swap the gin for bourbon and the drink turns warmer and rounder. Same ratio, same method.
  • Gin forward Negroni. Go one and a half ounces of gin to one each of Campari and vermouth when you want the botanicals in charge.

Questions

Is the Negroni always equal parts?

The classic spec is equal parts, and it is the right place to start. Many bars pour a touch more gin. Make it classic first, then tune it to your taste.

Why is the Negroni so bitter?

Campari brings the bitterness on purpose. The vermouth softens it and the orange oils round it out. Give it three sips before you judge it, the drink opens up as it dilutes.