negroni cocktail with orange garnish

Breaking Down the: Negroni

Looking for a refreshingly bitter and smooth cocktail? Look no further as you’ve found the Negroni. The drink has been around for over a century and remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the Negroni and how to make this delicious cocktail at home. 

 

History of the Negroni

The Negroni was (said to have been) invented in Florence, Italy, in 1919. It was created by Count Camillo Negroni, who asked his bartender to add a little more kick to his usual Americano cocktail. The bartender added gin to the mix and the traditional ingredients of sweet vermouth and Campari. The result was the Negroni, a semi-sweet cocktail that quickly became popular in Italy and, a few years later, the world.

 

Steps on How to Make a Negroni

To make a classic Negroni, you'll need the following ingredients:

photo of wide shot of beautiful blonde woman smiling holding a negroni cocktail

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz Campari
  • Orange peel for garnish

 

To prepare the cocktail, follow these simple steps:

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari to the glass.
  3. Stir until evenly chilled.
  4. Garnish with an orange peel.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

 

Tips for Making the Perfect Negroni

While the recipe is relatively simple, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure that your cocktail turns out perfectly every time:

 

  • black man in orange suit sitting at bar counter holding a negroni Use high-quality ingredients. Since the Negroni is such a simple cocktail, it's essential to use the best ingredients. Look for a good quality gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari to make the most of the cocktail's flavors.
  • Use plenty of ice. The cocktail should be well chilled, so fill your rocks glass with plenty of ice before adding the ingredients.
  • Stir, don't shake. Unlike some cocktails, the Negroni should be stirred rather than shaken. This helps keep the cocktail's flavors balanced and prevents it from diluting.
  • Experiment with variations. While the classic Negroni recipe is delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Try using different types of gin or vermouth or add a splash of soda water for a lighter, bubbly version.

 

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail with a rich history and a bold, distinctive flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful preparation, you can enjoy this delicious drink at home or take steps to become the ultimate bartender. Our alcohol training courses can also help in serving alcohol responsibly. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast, bartender, or just looking to try something new, the Negroni is an excellent choice for any occasion.