The Negroni

Few cocktails capture the balance of simplicity and sophistication quite like the Negroni. With its striking ruby hue, bold flavor, and effortless elegance, the Negroni has earned its place as one of the world’s most iconic drinks. Beloved by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike, this Italian-born aperitif is both bitter and sweet, refreshing and robust—a masterclass in harmony served over ice.

A Spirited History

The story of the Negroni begins in Florence, Italy, around 1919, at a café called Caffè Casoni. Count Camillo Negroni, a worldly Italian nobleman, reportedly asked his bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his usual Americano cocktail by swapping soda water for gin. Scarselli obliged, adding an orange garnish instead of the traditional lemon to signify the change. The result was so successful that the drink became known as Count Negroni’s cocktail, and a legend was born.

Over a century later, the Negroni remains largely unchanged—a testament to the perfection of its original formula. Its enduring popularity has even inspired a global celebration: Negroni Week, launched in 2013, where bars worldwide mix Negronis to raise money for charitable causes.

The Anatomy of a Negroni

At its core, the Negroni is beautifully simple—equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Yet within that simplicity lies an intricate balance. The gin provides a crisp, botanical backbone; the Campari adds a distinct bitterness and vibrant color; and the sweet vermouth ties everything together with rich, herbal sweetness.

That delicate equilibrium is what makes the Negroni so versatile. Stirred just right, it’s simultaneously bold and refreshing, making it perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif or a sophisticated nightcap.

Classic Negroni Recipe

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• Orange peel or slice, for garnish

Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir well until chilled—about 20–30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice (or a single large cube). Garnish with an expressed orange peel or a thin orange slice.

Optional Twist for a lighter, more refreshing version, top the mixture with a splash of soda water to create a Negroni Sbagliato (“mistaken Negroni”), which famously swaps gin for sparkling wine.

The Art of Balance

What makes the Negroni so beloved is its versatility and balance. Adjusting proportions slightly can shift the mood of the drink—a touch more gin for dryness, or extra vermouth for a rounder, sweeter sip. And while purists prefer it classic, the Negroni has inspired countless variations: the Boulevardier (with bourbon instead of gin), the White Negroni (using Lillet Blanc and Suze), and even coffee or chocolate-infused twists.

Final Sip

The Negroni isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a statement. Bold, elegant, and unmistakably Italian, it celebrates the beauty of balance and the art of simplicity. Whether you’re mixing one for a quiet evening at home or raising a glass with friends, the Negroni reminds us that true classics never go out of style.