Negroni: the recipe of the Italian cocktail famous all over the world

Negroni is an Italian cocktail loved all over the world and it can be recognized by its dark orange color and by its original flavor. The sweet taste of red vermouth meets the sour one of bitter and the strong aftertaste of gin create an exceptional blend of flavors that still makes Negroni a very popular drink. Its history began in 1919 in Florence when Count Camillo Negroni, who was a regular at Caffè Casoni, decided to change his usual aperitif, the Americano, and asked the barman, Folco Scarselli, to add a splash of gin instead of the usual soda. The customers were so impressed by this variation that from that moment on the Americano cocktail was called the American Count Negroni style (l'Americano alla maniera del conte Negroni). This is how Negroni was born, a cocktail made of bitter Campari, red vermouth and gin, then garnished with an orange slice. Bitter-sweet and strong, this is one of the most alcoholic aperitifs known thanks to an alcohol by volume of 28%.

How to make Negroni

Negroni's recipe is very easy to prepare but it is necessary to pay attention to the quantities because red vermouth, an Italian product very appreciated as a base for many cocktails, has an alcohol by volume ranging from 14° to 28° and gin is a very strong distillate.

Pour ice in a low tumbler or in an old fashioned glass until they are completely filled.

Strain the water and add 1/3 of gin, 1/3 of bitter Campari and 1/3 of red vermouth.

Stir the ingredients gently for 20 seconds.

Garnish with an orange slice.

What to serve with Negroni Cocktail

The Negroni can be served with a delicious shrimp cocktail or the Wellington meatloaf, a full-bodied and very popular main course.

Negroni Variations

The most famous variation is the Negroni Sbagliato, where gin is substituted by Brut sparkling wine and was invented by Bar Basso, in Via Plinio in Milan. It is also worth mentioning Negroski which has vodka instead of gin and is much less aromatic and lighter. If you are looking for a less sour taste, ask for a Bencini, a variant of Negroni with white rum instead of gin.