This 4-Ingredient Cocktail Is the Most Popular in the World for a Reason

Rachel Perlmutter
·3 min read
10

The Negroni is a classic cocktail for a reason. Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and bitter Campari come together to make the perfect sip. The drink is definitely boozy –– it’s not something you’re going to down too quickly — but that’s what I like about them. I like to serve them ice-cold for a refreshing finish. Plus, it’s a really pretty vibrant, orange-y red color that’s striking with a twist of orange peel tucked in before serving.

My favorite thing about Negronis is that they are easily batch-able for larger groups. Just mix equal parts of all the ingredients in an airtight container and chill in the freezer until happy hour.

Why You’ll Love It

  • The equal-parts ratio makes it incredibly easy to make and scale up for a group.

  • A frozen glass makes all the difference. Trust me, it’s necessary for this strong cocktail.

two negronis in rocks glasses, garnished with an orange peel inside of the glass.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

Key Ingredients in a Negroni

  • Gin. A London dry gin is traditional, but I like a citrus-forward variety like new-school Future Gin or classic Plymouth.

  • Campari. The bitter orange Italian aperitif gives the Negroni its big flavor and signature orange-y red hue.

  • Vermouth. Since there are only 3 ingredients, I recommend picking up a slightly nicer bottle of sweet red vermouth to ensure all the right flavors shine through.

  • Orange peel. Twist the peel over the glass before adding so the orange oils enhance the aroma of the cocktail.

How to Make a Negroni

  1. Combine the ingredients. Combine equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled.

  2. Garnish and serve. Pour into a lowball glass over ice or straight up, then garnish with a piece of orange peel.

angled shot of a negroni being poured over a large ice cube in a small rocks glass.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

Negroni Variations

  • Replace the gin with bubbly prosecco to make a Negroni Sbagliato.

  • Substitute mezcal for gin to give the cocktail a smoky flavor.

  • Make a Boulevardier by swapping 1 ounce of gin for 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey.

  • Blend the classic components with blood orange juice and ice to make a frozen Negroni.

  • Although the classic Negroni has a 1:1:1 ratio, you can adjust those to your liking to make your own signature version.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re making these for a crowd, you can batch them a few days ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator or freezer until serving time. Because the ratio is so simple, it’s easy to scale up as needed. Because the cocktail is made entirely from spirits, it will last up to a month in your fridge or freezer in an airtight container.

Other Gin Cocktails To Try

Negroni Recipe

A 1:1:1 ratio makes this cocktail equal parts easy and delicious.

Prep time 5 minutes

Serves 1

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce gin, preferably dry

  • 1 ounce Campari

  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth

  • Ice

  • Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place an old-fashioned glass in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 5 minutes.

  2. Place 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce Campari, and 1 ounce sweet vermouth in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill the mixing glass about half-full. Stir until the cocktail is very chilled, about 30 seconds.

  3. Pour the cocktail through a strainer into the glass (filled with ice if desired). Twist the orange peel directly over the cocktail’s surface, then garnish with the peel.