Active Time
3 minutes
Total Time
3 minutes
A classic negroni is the original 1:1:1 cocktail (equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari). “But here’s the problem,” argues former BA editor Julia Kramer, “Equal-parts cocktails don’t always taste so good—palates have evolved since these ratios were codified.” The team at Chiltern Firehouse in London, who created this variation on that classic cocktail recipe, agrees. They tweaked the ratios for modern palates, creating a gin-forward version of the drink to keep the bittersweet Italian aperitivo Campari in check. Sweet, a.k.a. red, vermouth is the third player here, and it’s worth splurging on a good bottle: We like Carpano Antica Formula for its vanilla notes and dry finish, but Punt e Mes or Cocchi Storico are also good choices.
There’s no shortage of negroni riffs out there. Most famous among them is the sbagliato (of “negroni sbagliato…with prosecco in it” fame), which swaps the gin for sparkling wine—think of it as the halfway point between a spritz and a negroni. There’s also the white negroni with Lillet Blanc and a pleasantly bitter French apéritif called Suze; and a boozy punch version of the cocktail with gin and prosecco. You can also play around with other aperitifs: Swap the Campari for lighter Aperol or herbal Génépy. For a wintry vibe, use bourbon in place of the gin, and you’ll have a boulevardier. Want a low-ABV version? Swap out the gin for soda water and the orange peel for a lemon wedge and you’ll have an Americano.
Ingredients
Makes 1
1½
1
¾
1
Preparation
Step 1
Stir 1½ oz. gin, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, preferably Carpano Antica, and ¾ oz. Campari in an ice-filled mixing glass until very cold, about 30 seconds. Strain cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer or a slotted spoon into an ice-filled rocks glass.
Step 2
Using a small serrated knife, remove a 1" strip of peel from 1 orange (some white pith is okay); it should be stiff enough to provide some resistance when bent. Twist over drink to express oils; discard. Garnish with 3 very thin orange slices.
Editor’s note: This negroni recipe was first printed in our October 2015 issue. Head this way for more of our best gin cocktails →
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Reviews (58)
Back to TopLove any gin forward drink, so this tweak is spot on. We swap in Cynar or Cardamaro to “mix things up”. Cheers
VTCMC
Fairfield, VT
1/23/2023
I pretty much stick the 1-1-1 ratio but lately I've been using Bruto Americano instead of Campari. I know it's no longer an actual Negroni at that point, but I am really enjoying the different flavor profile of the Bruto instead of the Campari. Does anyone have any other recommendations for a Campari substitute to mix things up (pun intended) a little?
Anonymous
Chicago
11/4/2022
I love this. I would try it out with some anise liquor. I like mine on the sweet side. I would try a few drops of anise liquor. I found some good recipes here as well. www.savoryhospitality.com
Chris
Los Angeles
10/15/2022
Earthy but not syrupy - delicious! Try the very delicious VT product: Barr Hill Gin.
Anonymous
NYC
8/11/2022
Although 1:1:1 is the classic ratio, I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all ratio for a Negroni because it very much depends on the flavor profiles of the gin, vermouth and bitters that you're bringing together. I love Carpano Antica as a vermouth, but as an equal partner with gin and bitters in a Negoni, I find its stronger flavor profile dominates the drink too much. My go-to Negroni for a while has been a 1:1:1 mix of Bombay Sapphire, Martini & Rossi vermouth and Martini & Rossi bitters. The flavor profiles of all three were formulated to work together by the same master herbologist and I think it makes for the most seamless and balanced Negroni I've ever tasted.
CharlesNYC
NY, NY
7/28/2022
It's not a real negroni if it's not a 1:1:1 ratio. It might be a nice cocktail, but it's not a negroni.
Julian
Scotland
5/30/2022
One of my favorite cocktails. I like Junipero gin for the flavor and higher proof to stand up to the strong vermouth and Campari flavors. My ratios are 2 gin to 1 vermouth to 3/4 Campari. Ditto for the whisky cousin, the Boulevardier.
Anonymous
Colorado
5/29/2022
I don’t see the recipe here.
Anonymous
Detroit
5/29/2022
I substitute Aperol over Campari and love to add a generous splash of orange juice.
Anonymous
San Juan, PR
5/29/2022
I appreciate the tips for selecting the vermouth, but what about the Campari and maybe more importantly the gin (which is the main ingredient). Are there any recommendations for those?
Anonymous
5/29/2022
I do mine 1.25 : 1.25 for gin & vermouth and 1campari when I’m pouring for myself - but really I’ll take it any old way someone is pouring. I love a Negroni.
Carswell
Canada
5/29/2022
My "gin-forward" formula is 3 (gin) : 2 (Campari) : 1 (rosso). Favoring bitter over sweet.
Robert
Boston, MA
5/29/2022
I like a Campari forward Negroni, sorry !
T. Kresler
Tucson, Az
5/28/2022
Best Negroni yet ! Would be even better drinking it in Milan or Florence served by a handsome Italian waiter ...
Dianne
Sothern Highlands, NSW Australia
4/10/2022
Perfect 👍🏼!!
Valerie
Midwest
6/27/2021