Negroni Cocktail Recipe - Bitter-Sweet & Balanced
A Negroni should be bright, bitter-sweet, and beautifully balanced. Use the classic 1:1:1 ratio, stir over plenty of ice, and finish with an orange twist. Follow the steps below and master it in minutes. Our Scots Pine Gin has the perfect botanical blend for a crisp Negroni.
All you need to know about the classic Negroni Cocktail & Recipe
The Negroni is a popular and well-loved gin cocktail that has stood the test of time. It is revered for its bittersweet and complex taste. Its an Italian cocktail, originating in Florence, Italy in the early 20th century. This iconic drink is typically enjoyed over ice in a tumbler glass, making it the ideal pre-dinner libation. The key to crafting a great Negroni Cocktail lies in the balance of gin, vermouth, and Campari, with variations in gin and vermouth allowing for a personalised touch. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or a more adventurous twist, the Negroni remains a beloved choice for mixologists and cocktail aficionados worldwide.
Ingredients and method
To make a classic Negroni Cocktail Recipe, you will need equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, as well as a twist of orange peel for garnish. Fill a mixing glass with ice, then pour in the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir the ingredients well until they are chilled, then strain the mixture into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Finally, twist a piece of orange peel over the drink to release its oils, and use it as a garnish. Enjoy your perfectly balanced and refreshing Negroni cocktail!
Negroni Recipe and garnish
37.5mls Campari
37.5mls Scots Pine Gin
37.5mls Sweet Vermouth
Twist of Orange garnish
Common Mistakes
Using stale vermouth
Vermouth oxidises fast and tastes flat. Fix: keep it refrigerated once opened and use within 4–6 weeks.
Over-diluting (or under-diluting)
Too much stirring = watery; too little = harsh. Fix: stir 20–25 seconds over cold, dense ice until the outside of the mixing glass feels frosty.
Weak or wet ice
Hollow cubes melt quickly and kill texture. Fix: use large, solid cubes (fresh from the freezer), not wet or half-melted ice.
Guessing the ratios
Eyeballing ruins balance. Fix: measure 1:1:1 (gin : sweet vermouth : Campari) with a jigger; tweak to 1.25:1:1 if you prefer a drier, more gin-forward serve.
Poor vermouth/Campari quality or temperature
Warm bottles mute aromatics. Fix: use quality brands and keep vermouth chilled; build the drink over cold ice.
Shaking instead of stirring
Shaking aerates and clouds the drink. Fix: always stir, then strain over fresh ice.
Orange garnish errors
Pithy wedges add bitterness; zest squeezed over the sink wastes oils. Fix: use a thin orange peel, express oils over the glass, then garnish.
Batching without adding water
Pre-mixed Negronis taste hot if you skip dilution. Fix: when batching, add ~20–25% water to match proper stir dilution and chill before serving.
Serving in the wrong glass
Tall glasses over-dilute. Fix: serve in a rocks/Old Fashioned glass with a large cube.
Batching for Parties
Make a bar-perfect Negroni without playing bartender all night.
Standard bottle (≈10 serves)
Mix 250 ml gin + 250 ml sweet vermouth + 250 ml Campari.
Add 150–190 ml cold water (≈20–25% of the spirit volume) to match proper stir-dilution.
Chill at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
1-litre batch (≈13–14 serves)
333 ml each gin, vermouth, Campari + 200–250 ml water.
2-litre punch (≈27–30 serves)
666 ml each gin, vermouth, Campari + 400–500 ml water.
Freezer Negroni (silky, restaurant-style)
Add only ~15% water, bottle and keep in the freezer. Pour straight into a chilled glass over a big cube.
Serve
Pour 80–90 ml per drink over large, solid ice. Express a thin orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
Storage
Keep batched Negroni refrigerated. Best within 1–2 weeks once diluted (vermouth is perishable).
If you want longer storage, omit the water and add it in the glass when serving.
Variations of the Negroni
Boulevardier (whisky Negroni)
Swap gin for bourbon or rye.
Ratio: 1:1:1 (whisky : sweet vermouth : Campari) or 1.5:1:1 for more whisky.
Serve: Rocks glass, big cube, orange peel.
Negroni Sbagliato (bubbly & lighter)
Swap gin for dry sparkling wine.
Build: 1 part sweet vermouth + 1 part Campari over ice, top with sparkling wine.
Serve: Wine glass, orange slice.
White Negroni (bright & herbal)
Use gin + gentian aperitif (e.g., Suze) + aromatic white aperitif (e.g., Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth).
Ratio: 1.5:1:1 (gin-forward works best).
Serve: Rocks glass, lemon twist.
Mezcal Negroni (smoky)
Swap gin for mezcal, or do a 50/50 gin–mezcal split.
Ratio: 1:1:1.
Serve: Rocks glass, grapefruit twist.
Pine Negroni (house twist)
Use Scots Pine Gin for a crisp, pine-led profile.
Ratio: 1:1:1; consider 1.25:1:1 for a drier, gin-forward balance.
Serve: Rocks glass, big cube, expressed orange peel.
Old Pal (drier cousin)
Use rye + dry vermouth + Campari.
Ratio: 1:1:1.
Serve: Up or on a rock, lemon twist.
Tip: When changing spirits, keep dilution consistent—stir ~20–25 sec over cold, dense ice and taste before you pour.
FAQs
Is a Negroni a strong cocktail?
Yes, a Negroni is considered a strong cocktail due to its equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The combination of these three potent spirits creates a bold and robust flavour profile that is not watered down by mixers or dilution. If you prefer a cocktail with a kick, the Negroni is the perfect choice.
What does Negroni taste like?
A Negroni is a classic cocktail known for its bold and bitter taste. The combination of equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet red vermouth creates a complex and earthy flavour profile. The bitterness of the Campari is balanced out by the herbal notes from the gin and the sweetness of the vermouth, resulting in a cocktail that is both refreshing and sophisticated. Overall, a Negroni has a distinct bitter yet balanced taste that is perfect for those who enjoy more complex and nuanced cocktails.
What is Vermouth?
Vermouth is a type of fortified wine that is flavoured with various botanicals, herbs, and spices. It is commonly used as a key ingredient in cocktails such as martinis and negronis. Vermouth can be produced in different styles including dry, sweet, and Bianco (white). Its distinctive flavours and aromas make it a versatile and popular choice for mixing drinks and adding depth to recipes.
When it comes to choosing the best vermouth for your cocktails, many bartenders and mixologists would agree that sweet vermouth is the top choice for a negroni. The rich and slightly sweet flavour profile of sweet vermouth pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the Campari and the herbal notes of the gin in a negroni cocktail. The deep red colour of sweet vermouth also adds a beautiful hue to the drink, making it visually appealing. Overall, sweet vermouth is the ideal choice for adding complexity and balance to a classic Negroni cocktail.
What is Campari?
Campari is an Italian alcoholic liqueur known for its distinctive bitter flavour and vibrant red colour. Created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, this aperitif is made from a proprietary blend of herbs and fruits, giving it a complex and unique taste. Campari is commonly used in popular cocktails like the Negroni and the Campari Spritz, as well as enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Its bold and bitter profile makes it a divisive but beloved drink among enthusiasts of bitter liqueurs .
What style of Gins make a great Negroni?
London Dry style gins, known for their juniper-forward flavor profiles, are a popular choice for making a great Negroni. The classic combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a Negroni cocktail allows the botanicals and citrus notes found in London Dry gins to shine through, providing a balanced and refreshing drink. The robust juniper base of these gins complements the bitter and herbal notes of Campari, resulting in a balanced fusion of flavours ideal for enjoying on a balmy evening or as an appetiser before a meal.
What Gin do we recommend for a great Negroni cocktail?
Tayport Distillery has crafted a unique Scots Pine Gin following the London Dry style, combining the distinctive flavour of pine with juniper to create a perfect base for a classic negroni cocktail. To make this iconic drink, simply mix equal parts of Tayport's Scots Pine Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari over ice, stir well, and garnish with a twist of orange peel. The pine notes from the gin add a refreshing and earthy dimension to the cocktail, enhancing the overall taste experience. This recipe truly highlights the depth of flavour that the Scots Pine Gin brings to the traditional negroni, making it a must-try for gin enthusiasts looking to elevate their cocktail game.
