a negroni cocktail in a lowball glass with a large ice cube garnished with an orange twist sitting on a boho bar cart
Cocktail Recipes

How to Make a Classic Negroni Cocktail

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Inside: Learn how to make a classic Negroni cocktail with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, plus tips on garnishes, setting up a Negroni bar, and creative variations.

A h, the Negroni.

If cocktails were celebrities, the Negroni would be that effortlessly chic friend who always looks fabulous in oversized sunglasses and knows all the hidden-gem restaurants. It’s bold, balanced, and just bitter enough to keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re a cocktail newbie or you’ve already claimed the title of “resident mixologist” in your friend group, this three-ingredient classic is ridiculously easy to make—and even easier to sip.

So, grab your favorite rocks glass, and let’s mix up some magic.

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classic negroni cocktail with a large ice cube on a bar cart with oranges and lemons

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What’s a Negroni?

For the uninitiated, a Negroni is an Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. (Yes, just three ingredients. I told you this was easy.)

And it’s a classic, just like the Old Fashioned.

Looking for a Negroni with Prosecco? Try the Negroni Sbagliato

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negroni cocktail sitting on a boho bar cart with a sliced orange and a bottle of gin

It’s served over ice and garnished with an orange peel for that chef’s kiss of citrusy goodness.

It’s the perfect drink when you want to feel fancy but don’t have the energy to make anything requiring a blender, muddler, or seven types of bitters.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this crimson beauty:

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negroni ingredients sitting on a bar car including gin, vermouth, campari and sliced oranges
  • 1 oz gin: Go for something juniper-forward if you like it classic, or a floral gin if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • 1 oz Campari: The star of the show. Campari is bitter, vibrant, and honestly, a little polarizing—but stick with me!
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth: Choose a good-quality one (like Carpano Antica or Dolin). This isn’t the time for that dusty bottle in the back of your liquor cabinet.

Optional but encouraged: a big ol’ ice cube and an orange peel for garnish.

How to Make a Negroni

  1. Ice, Ice, Baby: Fill a rocks glass with ice. If you have those fancy large ice cubes, use one. It melts slower and makes you feel like you’re in a speakeasy instead of your kitchen.
  2. Measure Like a Pro: Pour 1 ounce each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth into the rocks glass. No shaker or stirring necessary—this is a lazy drinker’s dream.
  3. Mix It Up: Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon
  4. Add Some Flair: Take a slice of orange peel, give it a little twist to release those aromatic oils, and drop it into your glass. Voilà! You’re now a Negroni connoisseur.

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negroni drink on a bright bar cart next to oranges and a bottle of gin

Negroni Recipe

negroni cocktail in a lowball glass garnished with an orange twist

Negroni

Yield: 1 Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • Garnish: orange twist

Instructions

  1. Fill a lowball glass with a big ice cube.
  2. Add all ingredients except garnish and stir
  3. Garnish with an orange twist

The Negroni Bar: Elevate Your Cocktail Game

If you’re hosting friends (or just really want to impress yourself), set up a Negroni Bar, similar to the Aperol Spritz bar. Here’s how to make it Insta-worthy:

  • The Gins: Offer a couple of options—maybe a classic London dry, a floral gin, and something citrus-forward.
  • The Vermouths: Sweet vermouth is the standard, but try different brands to see how the flavor changes. Or, throw in a blanc vermouth for a unique twist.
  • The Add-Ons: Have Campari, of course, but include other bitter liqueurs like Aperol or Contratto Bitter to let your guests experiment.
  • The Garnishes: More on this below, but stock up on oranges, lemons, and even some fun herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fancy touch.

Pro tip: Pre-fill ice molds with edible flowers or herbs for that extra moment when your guests say, “Wow, you really went all out!”

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negroni cocktail bar with gin, campari and vermouth with glasses and orange garnishes set up on a bar cart for a party

Negroni Garnish: A Small Detail That Packs a Punch

Let’s talk about the garnish—because the devil (and the flavor) is in the details.

  • Classic Orange Peel: This is the OG garnish, and for good reason. Use a vegetable peeler to get a long, thin slice of orange peel. Twist it over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in. Bonus points if you torch it slightly for a smoky vibe.
  • Blood Orange Slice: If you’re feeling extra fancy (and it’s blood orange season), float a thin slice on top of the ice. It’s stunning and delicious.
  • Herbs: A small sprig of rosemary or thyme makes your drink look like it came straight from a cocktail bar. Gently smack the herb between your palms to release the aroma before adding it to the glass.
  • Dehydrated Citrus: These are trendy and easy to make at home. Slice citrus thinly, bake at a low temp until dried, and store them in an airtight container. They’re like tiny edible works of art.

Remember, your garnish isn’t just about looks—it adds aroma and flavor to your drink. So don’t skip it!

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gin cocktail with campari that's easy to make, sitting on a wabi sabi bar cart

Tips to Customize Your Negroni

Feeling experimental? The Negroni is endlessly riffable. Here are a few variations to try:

  • Negroni Sbagliato: Swap gin for prosecco for a bubbly, brunch-friendly twist.
  • White Negroni: Use white vermouth and a gentian liqueur like Suze for a lighter, herbaceous vibe.
  • Mezcal Negroni: Sub gin for mezcal if you’re into smoky cocktails. You’ll feel like you’re sipping it by a campfire—fancy glass and all.

Final Thoughts

A Negroni isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a vibe. It’s the drink you whip up when you want to impress your dinner guests without breaking a sweat. It’s your go-to for that “I just got home from work, and I deserve this” moment.

So, go forth and Negroni, my friend. And if anyone asks for the recipe, just send them my way (or pretend you invented it—I won’t tell).

Cheers! 🥂

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I'm Stefanie—Founder & Writer for Revel & Delight

I believe the secret to hosting exceptional gatherings, from lively celebrations to cozy get-togethers, is thoughtfulness and a little bit of prep. Craft the right atmosphere, attitude, then then sit back and savor the moment you've made.

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