The Spirits
The Soul of Every Negroni
The Art of the Negroni
The Negroni is a masterpiece of balance - bitter, sweet, and strong in perfect harmony. Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari create a symphony of flavors that has stood the test of time, evolving from a simple Italian aperitivo to a worldwide classic.
While the classic recipe is a foundation, the true magic of the Negroni lies in its versatility. Each component can be thoughtfully selected or substituted to create endless variations, each with its own unique character and charm.
The Ice
The ice in a Negroni is far more than just a cooling element - it's an essential ingredient that affects dilution, temperature, and even the visual presentation of the cocktail. A large, clear ice cube melts slowly, maintaining the drink's potency while providing just enough dilution to smooth out the strong flavors. For the perfect Negroni, choose the highest quality ice you can - clear, dense, and preferably in a single large cube or sphere.
The Orange
The orange peel garnish is not merely decorative - it provides essential oils that contribute to the aromatic experience of the Negroni. When expressed over the surface of the drink, these oils create a fragrant citrus layer that balances the bitter components and enhances the overall sensory experience. Always use fresh, unwaxed oranges with thick peels for the best results, and take care to express the oils properly before adding the peel to the glass.
The Spirits Gallery
Gin
Gin is a clear spirit redistilled with juniper berries and a chorus of botanicals—think angelica root, citrus peel, and subtle florals—for a bright, aromatic profile. In a Negroni, gin is the backbone: its crisp alcohol and pine-like juniper cut through the sweetness of vermouth and the bitterness of the red aperitivo, lifting the drink with freshness and structure. Those layered botanicals echo and amplify the herbal notes already present in the other two ingredients, tying the trio together into a seamless whole. Opt for a well-balanced London Dry or an equally juniper-forward craft gin, and your Negroni gains clarity, snap, and that unmistakable aromatic lift that keeps the classic timeless.
London Dry Gin
The classic choice for a Negroni, with bold juniper notes that stand up to Campari's bitterness.
Plymouth Gin
Smoother and less juniper-forward than London Dry, offering a more balanced and subtle profile.
Botanical Gin
Contemporary gins with unique botanical blends can add complexity and interesting flavor notes.
Bitter
The red bitter liqueur in a Negroni is an herbal aperitivo built on bitter orange peel, rhubarb, gentian, and other roots that give it a vivid ruby hue and assertive, citrus-driven bitterness. In the cocktail, it delivers the punchy edge that defines the drink, anchoring the sweetness of vermouth and the bright botanicals of gin with a satisfying, palate-cleansing bite. Its complex mix of herbs amplifies the Negroni’s aromatic depth, while the ruby color turns the glass into an instant eye-catcher. Balance hinges on it—too little and the drink feels flabby, too much and it becomes abrasive—so equal parts are the classic sweet spot.
Campari
The traditional choice, with its iconic red color and complex bitter-sweet profile.
Aperol
A lighter, less bitter alternative that creates a more approachable Negroni variation.
Gran Classico
A Swiss bitter liqueur that adds a more herbal, less artificial character to the cocktail.
Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified, herb-infused wine—gently sweetened and layered with botanicals like wormwood, citrus peel, and warm spices. In a Negroni, it’s the essential middle note: its subtle sweetness tames bitter’s bite while its aromatic herbs weave seamlessly with gin’s botanicals. The wine base adds a silky texture and nuanced depth that spirits alone can’t deliver. Choose a high-quality and keep it chilled, and every Negroni you pour will taste polished, balanced, and unmistakably classic.
Carpano Antica Formula
Rich and complex with notes of vanilla, herbs and spices - often considered the gold standard.
Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
A balanced sweet vermouth with orange and cocoa notes that complement the bitter Campari.
Punt e Mes
Half-vermouth and half-bitter, adding an extra layer of complexity to the Negroni.
Mezcal & other Agave variants
Mezcal is an artisanal agave spirit, slow-roasted in earthen pits and distilled to capture layered notes of smoke, earth, fresh citrus, and green herbs. Swap it into a Negroni and those smoldering agave tones transform the cocktail, adding campfire depth that plays intriguingly against the red bitter’s citrus-root bite and the sweet vermouth’s velvet warmth. The drink keeps its iconic balance—equal parts spirit, vermouth, and bitter—but the flavor arc becomes darker and more savory, with a lingering, gently smoky finish. Choose a clean, joven-style mezcal to let the agave’s natural character shine, and you’ll pour a Mezcal Negroni that feels both rustic and refined, perfect for adventurous palates.
Espadin Mezcal
The most common type of mezcal, made from the Espadin agave, offering balanced smokiness.
Tobala Mezcal
Made from wild Tobala agave, producing a more complex, fruity, and mineral-driven profile.
Ensamble Mezcal
A blend of different agave varieties, creating a complex and layered spirit perfect for cocktails.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine lends the Negroni Sbagliato its signature effervescence and a touch of celebratory flair. The lively bubbles lighten the cocktail’s texture, spreading the ruby-red bitter’s citrus-root notes and sweet vermouth’s spiced richness across the palate in a bright, refreshing wash. Because the wine replaces the higher-proof spirit, the drink’s alcohol content drops, making it an easygoing aperitif suited to brunches, warm evenings, or extended celebrations. Hints of green apple, brioche, or stone fruit from the base wine peek through the bittersweet core, adding extra nuance with every sip. Choose a dry, high-quality bubbly—Prosecco, crémant, or another brut style—and the Sbagliato becomes a crisp, sparkling alternative that still honors the Negroni’s iconic balance.