This post contains affiliate links. See our disclosure policy here.
Cocktail History
The Negroni is a classic cocktail that was created by and named for Count Camillo Negroni in 1919 at Caffè Casoni in Florence, Italy. It was made as a variation of the Americano that calls for equal-parts gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and citrus and omits the soda water.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Gin: This is the base spirit. We went with Conniption American Dry Gin because it features crisp and clean botanicals while still managing to be complex and has notes of cucumber, citrus, and honeysuckle.
Sweet Vermouth: This is a fortified wine that adds sweetness. We used Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth because it’s Alex’s favorite sweet vermouth, with dark notes of herbs, figs, licorice, cinnamon, and cocoa.
Campari: This is an Italian liqueur. It adds its distinct bitter yet savory flavor to the drink.
Orange Slice: This adds fresh orange flavor.
Orange Peel: This is the garnish. It adds fresh orange aroma and flavor.
Tasting Notes
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: Although it took a while to get used to the sweet-then-bitter taste of the Negroni, this drink is actually made often in our home bar… by Alex at least. Kendall can’t quite get used to that finish yet. If you’re a frequent drinker of bitter cocktails, this is one of the most bitter classics out there, but the sweet vermouth and orange add fruitiness that balance it out.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.
AuthorThe Art of Vintage CocktailsPrep Time5 minsAdd gin, vermouth, Campari, and ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a chilled lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
Express orange slice into glass.
Garnish with orange peel.
Ingredients
Directions
Add gin, vermouth, Campari, and ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a chilled lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
Express orange slice into glass.
Garnish with orange peel.
Tools & Glassware We Recommend
More Campari Cocktails
If you like this Campari cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
• Bicicletta: A white wine cocktail made with Campari, soda water, and a lemon wheel
• Rhubarb & Gingerbread Negroni: A gin cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, gingerbread syrup, and an orange peel
• Old Pal: A rye cocktail made with dry vermouth, Campari, and an orange twist
• Desert Bird: A tequila and mezcal cocktail made with pineapple gum syrup, Campari, lime juice, saline solution, and a lime wheel
