Negroni

Instructions

1. Pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth directly into a lowball glass filled with ice cubes.

2. Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.

3. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass.

4. Garnish with the orange peel dropped into the glass or placed on the rim.

Trivia

• What does a Negroni taste like?

  A Negroni has a distinct and complex flavour profile. It's predominantly bitter due to the Campari, balanced by the sweetness of the vermouth and the botanical notes of the gin. Expect a robust, bittersweet taste with herbal, citrus, and slightly medicinal undertones, leading to a refreshing yet warming finish.

• What alcohol is in a Negroni?

  The classic Negroni recipe uses three core alcoholic ingredients in equal measure: Gin (providing botanical complexity and alcoholic strength), Campari (an Italian bitter aperitif responsible for its signature bitterness and red colour), and Sweet Vermouth (typically Rosso style, adding sweetness, spice, and herbal notes to balance the bitterness).

• Is a Negroni a strong cocktail?

  Yes, the Negroni is considered a relatively strong cocktail. It's composed entirely of alcoholic ingredients (gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth) with no non-alcoholic mixers like juice or soda added, apart from the dilution from stirring with ice. Its alcohol content typically falls in the 24-28% ABV range, depending on the specific spirits used.

• How do you make a Negroni less bitter?

  If you find the classic Negroni too bitter, you can adjust the proportions. Try increasing the amount of sweet vermouth slightly (e.g., 1.5 parts vermouth to 1 part gin and 1 part Campari) or using a slightly less bitter amaro than Campari. Some also find that a high-quality, sweeter gin can help balance the bitterness.

• What is the difference between a Negroni and an Americano?

  Both are Italian classics featuring Campari and sweet vermouth, but the key difference is the third ingredient. A Negroni uses gin for its base spirit, making it stronger and more complex botanically. An Americano tops the Campari and vermouth with soda water instead of gin, resulting in a lighter, lower-alcohol, and more effervescent drink.

• When is the best time to drink a Negroni?

  The Negroni is traditionally served as an aperitif, meaning it's enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its bitter profile makes it excellent for this purpose. However, its robust character also makes it a popular choice for evening sipping, social gatherings, or anytime you desire a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail.