Negroni – A classic Italian apéritif

The most famous cocktail from Italy is probably the Negroni. The bitter-sweet apéritif drink consists of gin, vermouth, and Campari and has been very popular for years. The drink is highly recommended for beginners to the cocktail scene.

This drink is quick to make, and you don’t need any special knowledge. The bittersweet taste of the drink goes well with food, which is the reason that this apéritif is so popular.

There are many variations of this drink, nowadays. People have since moved on from the three basic ingredients and started to experiment. But we have the original recipe for you today.

When was the Negroni invented?

Like many other cocktails, the Negroni also originated in Italy. This drink was named after its inventor Camillo Negroni. In 1919, he ordered a modified form of the Americano. The original drink simply did not contain enough alcohol for him.

A classic Americano consists of Campari, vermouth, and soda. What the bartender did for Camillo Negroni was to replace the soda with gin and the lemon zest that was common at the time with orange. That was how the very first Negroni was born.

The drink quickly became popular, which led to some variations of the Negroni. One of the most popular ones is the cocktail with sparkling wine instead of gin. It has since become the most popular Italian cocktail.

Tips for preparing the Negroni

The most important thing during preparation is to mix equal parts of all ingredients. If you don’t do that, the drink can quickly become too bitter. Therefore, I recommend using a bar measurement tool like a jigger.

Whether you garnish it with a slice of orange or not, is a matter of preference. There are some variations that leave it out. Many people use orange zest instead of an orange slice because it makes the drink taste stronger and less fruity.

The ingredients listed above all harmonize perfectly with each other because they are coordinated with each other. But if you prefer a different vermouth or gin than the ones mentioned above, you are welcome to try these too.

Frequently asked questions about the Negroni

Which gin and which vermouth should I use for a Negroni?

When it comes to gins, you should go for a classic gin. In addition to the dry gin, the Tanqueray No.10 also works well with this cocktail. The vermouth, on the other hand, is supposed to add sweetness to the drink, which is why the Belsazar Red also works well as the red vermouth component.

How much alcohol does a Negroni have?

Negroni has an alcohol content between 27% and 30%. It all depends on the mixing ratio of your cocktail. If using similar amounts to the ones in this recipe, the alcohol content of your drink will be around those numbers. 

Why is Negroni served in a tumbler glass?

A tumbler with ice is perfect for this drink because it is enjoyed rather slowly, and a glass that fits a big ice cube is ideal for that. The taste changes gradually as the proportion of melted water increases.