Negroni
Negroni [The Bitter Sweet Remix]
Classic Italian cocktail with gin, vermouth, and Campari that delivers sophisticated bitter-sweet complexity. This is aperitivo perfection that awakens the palate and stimulates appetite with its perfect balance of botanicals and bitters.
Makes
Serves 1
Total Time
3 min (3 min prep)
Ingredients
Classic Negroni:
1 oz (30ml) gin (London Dry style preferred)
1 oz (30ml) sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica or Dolin Rouge)
1 oz (30ml) Campari
Ice cubes (large format preferred)
1 orange peel (wide strip, about 2 inches)
Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)
Add 2-3 dashes of digestive bitters (Angostura or artichoke bitters) for enhanced digestive benefits. Include 1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger in the mixing process for anti-inflammatory properties. Use bitter orange peel instead of regular orange for additional digestive compounds. Muddle 2-3 fresh gentian root pieces (if available from herbal suppliers) for traditional bitter digestif benefits. Substitute part of the vermouth with herbal amaro like Cynar for added digestive herbs.
Remix Options
Gin Variations: Try botanical gin for herbaceous notes, Navy Strength gin (1/2 oz) for intensity, or barrel-aged gin for complexity. Vermouth Swaps: Use Punt e Mes for extra bitterness, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for spice, or white vermouth for lighter profile. Bitter Alternatives: Replace Campari with Aperol for sweeter profile, Cynar for artichoke notes, or Gran Classico for complex spicing. Ratio Adjustments: Try 1.5:1:1 for gin-forward, 1:1.5:1 for vermouth emphasis, or 1:1:1.5 for maximum bitterness. Serving Styles: Serve up in coupe glass over ice sphere, or build in mixing glass and strain. Garnish Options: Grapefruit peel for citrus twist, lemon peel for brightness, or flamed orange peel for aromatics.
Good To Know
Equal Parts Philosophy: The 1:1:1 ratio creates perfect balance between gin’s botanicals, vermouth’s sweetness, and Campari’s bitterness – each component is equally important. Ice Matters: Large ice cubes melt slowly and provide proper dilution without over-watering the drink – the goal is 20-25% dilution. Stirring Technique: Stir gently for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine without over-diluting – aggressive stirring creates cloudy appearance. Orange Peel Expression: Hold peel skin-side down 2 inches above drink and twist firmly to release essential oils – you should see the oils spray into the drink. Glassware Selection: Old-fashioned glass (rocks glass) is traditional, but the drink also works beautifully in a large wine glass for enhanced aromatics. Temperature Service: Serve immediately after stirring while properly chilled – Negroni should be cold but not frozen. Storage Notes: Pre-batch large quantities (store refrigerated up to 1 week) and simply pour over ice when ready to serve. Flavor Development: Taste evolves as ice melts and drink warms slightly – first sip should be crisp and bitter, later sips become more mellow and integrated.
steps
Prep:
Fill old-fashioned glass with large ice cubes, leaving space at top. Chill glass in freezer for 2-3 minutes if desired for extra coldness.
Pour:
Add gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari directly to the glass in that order. The equal proportions create the signature balanced bitterness.
Stir:
Using bar spoon or cocktail stirrer, stir gently for 15-20 seconds to combine ingredients and achieve proper dilution. Avoid over-stirring which creates cloudiness.
Express:
Hold orange peel skin-side down about 2 inches above drink. Twist firmly between fingers to express essential oils – you should see fine mist of oils spray into cocktail.
Garnish:
Rub orange peel around rim of glass to coat with citrus oils, then drop peel into drink. The oils enhance the aromatics and brighten the bitter flavors.
Serve:
Present immediately while properly chilled. Encourage sipping slowly to appreciate how flavors evolve as drink warms slightly and ice provides gentle dilution.