Classic Negroni Cocktail

How to make a Classic Negroni Cocktail. Made with four ingredients this Italian cocktail has a beautiful ruby red colour and is so refreshing. It's the solid way to kick off your Italian aperitivo!

If you're looking for an elegant and refreshing cocktail to get your taste buds going then look no further than the Negroni!

Like an Aperol Spritz or Campari cocktail it's the solid drink for an Italian aperitivo served alongside some nibbles like marinated olives a slice of focaccia bread or fried sage leaves (if you've not tried fried sage you're missing out).

It's made with four simple ingredients and better yet it's the easiest cocktail to remember because it's all equal parts. See what you need to make it below.

Ingredients – what you need

• Campari – A ruby red Italian bitter made with a fusion of herbs.
• Gin – Any good gin will do, we use a London dry gin.
• Vermouth Rosso – A semi-sweet Italian liqueur with a citrusy flavour.
• Orange – for garnish, either slices of orange or twisted orange peel, whatever you prefer!

How to make a Negroni Cocktail – step by step

Fill your serving glasses with ice then set aside.

Pour equal amounts of campari, gin and vermouth rosso in a cocktail shaker, the rule is 1 fl oz (30 ml) of each ingredient per cocktail (photo 1).

Give the cocktail a stir then pour over ice to fill your glasses, serve with a slice or twist of orange (photo 2).

Food to serve with your cocktail

For a true Italian aperitivo you'll need some nibbles to serve alongside your cocktail. In Italy, you'll often be served some salted chips (crisps UK), salted peanuts or focaccia so simple yet hits the spot.

Below are some of our favourite appetizers and nibbles to serve with drinks or you can check out our full list of Italian Appetizer recipes and choose your favourite!

• Stracchino and Sausage Crostini
• Bruschetta al Pomodoro
• Fried Sausage Stuffed Olives – good And Crispy
• Whipped Ricotta Dip with Roasted Tomatoes
• Sour Cream Pesto Dip with Prosciutto Dippers

Top tips and recipe FAQs

• Prepare it in advance – you can pre-mix this cocktail up to any quantity you like and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. NOT add any ice or it'll water the cocktail down as it melts. Only add the ice to serving glasses right before serving.
• Less bitter version – if you're looking for something a little less bitter then check out the Negroni Sbagliato which uses prosecco making it fruity, bubbly and as good!

What does a Negroni taste like?

A Negroni is a bitter cocktail, it's designed to stimulate your taste buds before a meal. It's a mix of woody and herbal flavours with a slight sweetness of fruity orange.

What's the best vermouth to use?

The best vermouth to use for this cocktail is a semi-sweet red vermouth (not white). The Martini brand is a great choice but there are also many cheaper brands that will work as well!

More Italian cocktails you might like

• Classic Campari Cocktail – Spritz
• Classic Peach Bellini Cocktail
• Aperol Spritz Cocktail
• Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail

Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

• 1 fl oz Campari ((30ml))
• 1 fl oz Gin ((30ml))
• 1 fl oz Vermouth Rosso ((30ml))
• Orange slices
• Ice

Method

1. Fill your serving glasses with ice then set aside.

2. Pour equal amounts of campari, gin and vermouth rosso in a cocktail shaker, stir to combine.

3. Pour over ice to fill your glass, serve with a slice or twist of orange.

Kitchen notes

• Prepare it in advance you can pre-mix this cocktail up to any quantity you like and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. NOT add any ice or it'll water the cocktail down as it melts. Only add the ice to serving glasses right before serving.