The Negroni is a cornerstone of Italian cocktail culture and one of the most recognizable bittersweet cocktails in the world. Traditionally composed of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, it delivers a complex interplay of botanicals, herbal richness and bright citrus bitterness. The cocktail is credited to Count Camillo Negroni in Florence around 1919, who reportedly asked a bartender to strengthen his favorite Americano with gin, creating the formula that has endured for more than... Read more
The Negroni is a cornerstone of Italian cocktail culture and one of the most recognizable bittersweet cocktails in the world. Traditionally composed of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, it delivers a complex interplay of botanicals, herbal richness and bright citrus bitterness. The cocktail is credited to Count Camillo Negroni in Florence around 1919, who reportedly asked a bartender to strengthen his favorite Americano with gin, creating the formula that has endured for more than a century.
The strength of the Negroni lies in its balance. Gin provides a juniper-forward backbone that supports the herbal and sweet flavors of vermouth, while Campari brings a distinctive bitter edge and a vibrant ruby-red color. Served over ice in a short glass, it can be sipped slowly as an aperitif, making it ideal for pre-dinner occasions.
While the classic Negroni adheres to the 1:1:1 ratio, bartenders often adjust proportions to suit personal taste, such as increasing gin for a more spirit-forward profile or slightly reducing vermouth to emphasize bitterness. Technique is straightforward: combine ingredients over ice, stir and garnish with an orange twist to release essential oils that enhance aroma and flavor.
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