Negroni

Using Prosecco (Negroni Sbagliato)

Swapping out gin for Prosecco turns the classic Negroni into a lighter, bubbly affair. This twist is often called a Negroni Sbagliato. Prosecco’s effervescence brings a new texture, making the drink a bit less intense than its gin-based counterpart. The sparkling wine complements the sweet vermouth and Campari nicely, creating a more refreshing and less boozy beverage. To make it, you simply replace gin with an equal amount of Prosecco, then stir gently to mix the ingredients without killing the fizz. It’s an easy way to put a spin on the classic without complicating things.

Negroni Spritz

A Negroni Spritz is a refreshing twist on the classic Negroni that incorporates sparkling water or soda. The addition of fizz lightens up the drink, making it an especially good option for warm weather or daytime sipping. It retains the hallmark bitterness of a Negroni but adds a bubbly, effervescent element that some people find more approachable.

Variations

Want something special? Take a look at our awesome twists:

• Boulevardier: This mix replaces gin with bourbon or rye, introducing a warmer, spicier touch. The bourbon’s richness complements the bitterness of Campari beautifully. I find the blend of whiskey’s warmth with the herbal notes utterly captivating. It’s my go-to for a cozy evening.
• White Negroni: Gin pairs with Lillet Blanc and Suze for a lighter, less bitter experience. The Lillet Blanc brings a sweet, floral quality, contrasting nicely with Suze’s earthy bitterness. I appreciate this for its elegant simplicity and the way it lightens up the classic’s intensity.
• Old Pal: Rye whiskey and dry vermouth come together, creating a drier, crisper feel. The rye’s spiciness and the dry vermouth’s subtlety offer a refined taste.
• Cardinale: Drier still, this blend uses dry vermouth with gin and Campari. The dry vermouth’s crispness makes it notably more refreshing.
• Kingston Negroni: This twist incorporates dark rum, lending a rich, tropical flair. The rum’s sweetness and depth add an intriguing complexity.
• Cynar Negroni: Substituting Campari with Cynar, an artichoke-based bitter, this concoction is earthier and more nuanced. The unique herbal profile of Cynar offers a delightful surprise.
• Oaxaca: Swapping gin for mezcal, brings a smoky intrigue. The mezcal’s smokiness adds a new dimension, harmonizing with the other ingredients.
• Unusual: This blend adds elderflower liqueur to the classic trio, introducing a sweet, floral character. The elderflower’s lightness adds a playful twist.
• Pisco Negroni: Pisco replaces gin, offering a grape-based, slightly fruity element. This South American spirit adds a unique, subtly sweet layer.
• Negroni Fizz: A fizzy version, featuring sparkling wine. The bubbles add a celebratory feel, making it perfect for special occasions.
• East India Negroni: Incorporating an East India sherry, this version is richer, with a nutty, slightly sweet profile. The sherry’s complexity makes it a fascinating, moreish choice.

What’s the best Gin for a Negroni?

When making a standout Negroni, the choice of gin plays a significant role. While London Dry gins like Beefeater or Tanqueray offer a classic, juniper-heavy profile, you could also opt for something more modern and botanical, like Hendrick’s. But if you ask me for a Negroni that’s truly top-notch, you can’t go wrong with Bombay Sapphire. This gin has just the right balance of botanicals to harmonize with the sweet Vermouth and Campari. Its nuanced flavors don’t overpower, but they hold their own, adding complexity to the drink. So, if you’re serious about your Negroni, Bombay Sapphire is a solid pick that won’t disappoint you.

History and Origin

The Negroni cocktail traces its roots back to early 20th-century Florence, Italy. According to popular lore, Count Camillo Negroni first conceived the drink when he asked his bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. Intrigued by the idea, Scarselli also added an orange garnish instead of the typical lemon slice to signal that the drink was different from an Americano. The result captivated the Count and quickly gained popularity among the bar’s patrons.

As the story goes, the new drink became so popular that the Negroni family decided to create a Negroni Distillery in 1919, producing a ready-made version of the cocktail called Antico Negroni. Over time, the Negroni gained international recognition, thanks in part to its straightforward recipe and the rise of cocktail culture globally.

Pre-mixed Ready to drink Negroni (Campari Negroni)

If you’re looking for the classic Negroni experience without the hassle of mixing one yourself, there are some solid pre-mixed options on the market. Brands like Highball and Curatif offer canned Negronis that capture the essential flavors of the cocktail. Highball’s Negroni maintains the bitterness you’d expect, while Curatif’s version leans into the botanical notes of the gin. But when it comes to a pre-mixed Negroni that truly hits the mark, Campari’s own bottled Negroni stands out. It combines Campari, red vermouth, and gin in the perfect 1:1:1 ratio. The blend is smooth, and well-balanced and saves you the trouble of gathering ingredients and tools. Just pour it over ice, add an orange slice, and you’re good to go. Trust me, it’s hard to beat the Campari Negroni for a quick, no-fuss option.