The Negroni Cocktail, Only Three Ingredients and It’s Perfect

I will start by saying that the Negroni was not a favorite of mine for many years when I started bartending. I thought it was overly bitter and not drinkable.

Twelve years ago, I didn’t understand how unique this equal-parts cocktail was.

Spoiler alert!

It’s one of my favorite cocktails, and I like to create variations of this classic.

My first experience with this drink was when I was a bartender at Winifred’s in Cedar Rapids, IA. A couple would come in a couple of times a month and have this with their appetizers.

They had been to Italy, fell in love with the Negroni, and always loved having one back home when they went out to eat.

I don’t remember what gin or sweet vermouth we used. However, I do remember the couple had me use more gin, instead of three equal parts, not much but for their taste buds, that’s what they preferred.

One day after work, I decided to try it and regretted it immediately. It was not for me because I didn’t care for the bitterness.

Fast forward to today, I will take a bottle of Campari and take swigs straight from the bottle.

You might be wondering, “How did you starting liking Negronis, Carl?” That is a great question!

My answer is I was willing and wanting to try new flavors in life. Trying new ingredients in food and cocktails. Also, pushing my palate. It started developing into appreciating more complex flavors over time. Years of practice. 😁

You can also try some cocktails that introduce Campari or bitter notes in a more subtle way; Aperol Spritz, Jungle Bird, and Enzoni.

Negroni – Our First YouTube Video!

I love a Negroni so much that our first YouTube was this wonderful cocktail of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari.

What is the History of the Negroni?

The Negroni cocktail is said to be created at the Caffe Casoni in Florence, Italy circa 1919. Count Camillo Negroni wanted a more robust version of his favorite cocktail, the Americano.

Forsco Scarselli replaced soda water with gin and used an orange peel as the garnish. Count Camillo Negroni loved the drink so much that he named the cocktail after himself.

What is the Best Sweet Vermouth to use in a Negroni?

Sweet vermouth is a crucial component in a Negroni. Carpano Antica and Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino each offer complex flavor profiles that give their unique flavor profile.

Carpano Antica Formula

Carpano will provide you with rich flavor and a hint of baking spices to your Negroni. It’s light, complex, and perfect for this type of cocktail.

Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

If you are looking for a sweeter flavor profile, try Cocci. You will get hints of chocolate and raspberry that pair nicely with the gin and Campari.

Three of Our Favorite Negroni Riffs!

Bartenders and Mixologists love to come up with their riffs of this classic cocktail. Here are three of our favorite Negroni riffs, including one of our own.

Boulevardier

If you love bourbon, then this is a drink you need to try!

It is also a great introductory drink for someone who has never had Campari because the bourbon is slightly heavier.

• 1.5 ounces Bourbon
• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
2. Add ice.
3. Stir for 30 seconds.
4. Strain over a large ice cube in a double rocks glass.
5. Express an orange twist over the drink and place it in the cocktail.

White Negroni

The White Negroni doesn’t follow the equal-parts recipe of the classic. It doesn’t even use Campari and sweet vermouth.

This is still an exciting cocktail with a complex and bitter taste.

• 1.5 ounces Gin
• 1 ounce Lillet Blanc
• .5 ounce Suze

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
2. Add ice.
3. Stir for 30 seconds.
4. Strain over a large ice cube in a double rocks glass.
5. Express a lemon twist over the drink and place it in the cocktail.

Roasted-n-Bitter

Roasted-n-Bitter is an original Negroni riff of mine. I wanted to make a coffee Negroni without using coffee liquor or brewed coffee. I infused Campari with espresso beans to achieve the coffee flavor I wanted.

These specific ingredients give this cocktail a unique flavor profile that is perfect for an after-dinner cocktail.

• .75 ounce Espresso Infused Campari
• .75 ounce Beefeater Gin
• .75 ounce Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino
• 1 Dash of Orange Bitters

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
2. Add ice.
3. Stir for 30 seconds.
4. Strain over a large ice cube in a double rocks glass.
5. Express an orange twist over the drink and place it in the cocktail.

Final Thoughts on the Negroni

There you have it! Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth are one of my favorite cocktails.

This cocktail might not be for you immediately, but I strongly feel it will be one of your favorites if you enjoy craft cocktails.

Let us know what your favorite sweet vermouth and gin combos are.

What’s your favorite Negroni riff?