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A Hand Reaches for A Negroni Cocktail Garnished with An Orange Slice on A Green Marble Table

The Perfect Negroni

A Negroni is more than just a cocktail—it’s a lesson in balance, technique, and attention to detail. With equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, this iconic drink seems deceptively simple, but every choice you make—from the quality of your ingredients to how you stir—can take it from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Cocktail
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing glass Allows proper aeration and dilution
  • Bar spoon Ensures smooth, controlled stirring
  • Jigger  For precise measurement of ingredients
  • Strainer Helps achieve a clean pour
  • Rocks glass (or coupe glass) Enhances aroma and experience
  • Large ice cubes Slower melting for optimal dilution
  • Paring knife or peeler For the perfect orange peel garnish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz London Dry Gin Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth Carpano Antica, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
  • Large clear ice cube
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Glass and Ice
    Fill a rocks glass with a large, clear ice cube. This will chill the glass while you mix.
    A Clear Glass with Large Ice Cubes Sits on A Green Marble Countertop
  • Measure Your Ingredients
    Use a jigger to measure 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth. Precision is key!
    A Hand Pours a Measured Amount of Red Liquid Into a Glass with Ice on A Green Marble Countertop
  • Stir, Don’t Shake
    Fill a mixing glass with ice.
    Pour in the measured ingredients.
    Stir gently for about 30 seconds with a bar spoon. The goal is to chill and dilute the drink just right—smooth, not frothy.
    A Bartender Stirs a Negroni in A Mixing Glass with Ice at A Bar Counter
  • Strain and Serve
    Discard any excess water from your chilled rocks glass.
    Strain the mixed Negroni over the large ice cube.
  • The Perfect Garnish and Enjoy
    Cut a strip of orange peel (avoiding too much pith).
    Express the orange oils over the drink by gently squeezing the peel.
    Drop the peel into the glass or rub it around the rim for extra aroma.
    Take a sip and appreciate the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and botanical depth.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips for a Next-Level Negroni

  • Use high-quality ingredients – A cheap vermouth or gin will ruin the drink.
  • Store vermouth in the fridge – It oxidizes quickly and can turn bitter.
  • Avoid cloudy ice – Large, clear ice melts slower and prevents over-dilution.
  • Stir, don’t shake – Shaking aerates the drink too much, ruining its silky texture.
  • Torch your garnish – Hold a match under the orange peel for caramelized aromatics.
Keyword Classic Cocktails, Classic Drinks, Gin Cocktail, Italian Cocktail, Negroni