The Negroni cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts for over a century. It's a simple and delicious combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth that's equal parts of each ingredient. The Negroni is a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and herbaceous flavours that's sure to satisfy any cocktail lover's palate. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Negroni cocktail and explore three variations to try.
The Negroni is said to have been invented in Florence, Italy, in 1919 at a cafe called Caffe Casoni. The story goes that a Count named Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his Americano cocktail by adding gin instead of soda water. The bartender then added an orange slice instead of the typical lemon to signify the change. The Negroni became an instant hit and has remained a classic cocktail ever since.
Variations to Try
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a variation of the Negroni that substitutes bourbon for gin.
- 1 ½ oz. bourbon
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add the bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
White Negroni
The White Negroni is a lighter and less bitter version of the classic Negroni that uses Lillet Blanc and Suze instead of Campari.
- 1 ½ oz. gin
- ¾ oz. Lillet Blanc
- ¾ oz. Suze
Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add the gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Mezcal Negroni
The Mezcal Negroni is a smoky variation of the classic Negroni that uses mezcal instead of gin.
- 1 ½ oz. mezcal
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel.