Negroni Cocktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (2024)

The Negroni cocktail recipe is a favorite for many people. Its delightful mix of bitter and sweet makes it the perfect aperitif.

This was a cocktail I have had selectively over the years. I only imbibed it when I was visiting people’s houses. I wouldn’t buy one in a bar or restaurant but would accept one made by a friend.

Is there a reason for that? You bet. This cocktail took time to grow on me. But now that it has, I would buy one in a bar and make it at home.

I’ve come a long way.

With only three ingredients, measured in equal quantities, it’s easy to make, even for novice bartenders. It offers a rare and delightful combination of bitter and sweet that when consumed, helps stimulate your appetite and your digestion.

A little background

The Negroni is said to have been concocted first in Florence, Italy back in the early 1900s. A bartender came up with itwhen a patron named Count Camillo Negroni asked for a stronger version of an Americano cocktail (which is Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda).

Hence the name.

The Negroni is certainly stronger than the Americano. Not only because there is more booze in it, but it also has a stronger taste.

Campari

If you’ve never had Campari, I’ll describe it. It’s an infusion of herbs and fruitswitha bright red color and abitter taste. Some people would say itis an acquired taste.

It’s bitter and should be sipped, making it a perfect aperitif. You won’t find a sweet cocktail listed as an aperitif.

Here is a great article that explains the difference between an aperitif and digestif.

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Helpful tips

• You can either build the cocktail directly in the glass or in a cocktail shaker.
• If you use a shaker, you can either shake it like I did in this recipe or stir it with a cocktail spoon.
• There are a few different levels of quality sweet vermouth. I love the Carpano Antica Formula brand.
• You can garnish this cocktail with an orange or lemon twist. I alternate between the two. I used a lemon in this post for the color contrast.
• I use a channeling knife to make the twist since I want a long, thin piece of garnish.
• If you don’t have a channeling knife, use a paring knife; just know your garnish may not be as thin as what’s pictured.
• You can measure out the ingredients in any order. I’m sharing the order I follow.

How to make Negroni cocktail recipe

Pre-step

Get your cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.

Use a channeling knife or another knife to cut the twist for garnish.

After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the cocktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – Campari, gin and sweet vermouth.

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of gin.

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of sweet vermouth.

Step three

Measure out2 ounces of Campari.

Look at that color!

Step four

Either add a cocktail spoon to the shaker and stir briskly or cap the shaker and shake for 10 seconds.

Place a large ice cube in each glass. Here is the tray I use to make jumbo cubes. Strain and divide the Negroni between the glasses.

Add more ice if you like.

Step five

Gather the twists for garnish.

Place the twists in the glasses.

Although I like the front glass, I LOVE the bubble bottom glass that I got at Crate and Barrel.

I love to use differently styled glasses to keep my cocktails interesting.

And another view!

I hope you enjoyed this Negroni cocktail recipe.

Other fun colorful cocktails

• Bourbon cranberry cocktail
• Cherry sour
• Appletini

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK,TWITTER,INSTAGRAM,andPINTERESTto see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!