The Drinks

The classic Negroni is an (equal-parts) blend of juniper-forward gin, sweet vermouth, and a ruby-red bitter liqueur. Stirred over ice, it strikes a perfect three-way balance: gin’s crisp botanicals lift, vermouth’s gentle sweetness cushions, and the bitter component delivers a bracing citrus-root snap. The wine in the vermouth lends a silky texture, while the bitter aperitivo paints the glass a jewel-tone scarlet. Finished with a twist of orange zest, the Negroni is both refreshingly bright and satisfyingly complex—an evergreen aperitif that readies the palate for whatever comes next.

The Mezcal Negroni swaps gin for joven mezcal, infusing the classic equal-parts template with a gentle, campfire smoke and earthy agave character. That roasty depth melts into sweet vermouth’s spiced grape richness, while the ruby-red bitter liqueur still delivers its signature citrus-root snap, so the drink keeps the Negroni’s familiar bittersweet triangle but turns darker and more savory. Mezcal’s subtle salinity and green-herb notes echo the cocktail’s botanicals, giving every sip a long, smoldering finish. Stirred over ice and brightened with an expressed orange peel, it’s a bold yet balanced riff that feels both rustic and refined.

The Negroni Sbagliato—literally “mistaken Negroni”—replaces gin with sparkling wine, trading juniper punch for a lively, effervescent lift. Bubbles brighten the ruby-red bitter liqueur’s citrus-root edge, while sweet vermouth still supplies its velvet herbal warmth, so the drink stays true to the classic’s bittersweet harmony but feels lighter on the palate. The lower alcohol and champagne-like fizz make it an especially refreshing aperitif, perfect for brunches and warm evenings. Stir it gently over ice, let the sparkling wine foam softly through the glass, and finish with an orange slice for a cocktail that’s equal parts playful twist and timeless elegance.

The Nogroni is a spirit-free take on the classic, built with zero-proof gin, alcohol-free sweet vermouth, and a bitter aperitivo substitute in equal parts. Botanical distillates supply juniper and citrus aromatics, while the dealcoholized vermouth analogue brings gentle sweetness, spice, and a touch of wine-like texture. A ruby-hued bitter syrup delivers the familiar citrus-root bite, so the drink keeps the Negroni’s hallmark balance—bright, bittersweet, and herbaceous—without the buzz. Stir it over ice, garnish with an orange twist, and you have an aperitif that looks and tastes grown-up yet lets everyone stay clear-headed.

The Boulevardier trades gin for whiskey, marrying bourbon or rye with sweet vermouth and a ruby-hued bitter liqueur in equal parts. The result is richer and rounder than a Negroni: caramel and vanilla from the whiskey slide into vermouth’s dark fruit and spice, while the bitter aperitivo snaps everything into balance. Silky on the palate yet assertively bittersweet, it’s a perfect bridge between aperitif and night-cap. Stirred over ice and garnished with an orange twist, the Boulevardier offers a warming, sophisticated riff for whiskey lovers.