Negroni Cocktail Recipes For Beginners

The Negroni Cocktail Recipes: A Classic Tale of Elegance and Complexity

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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The Negroni: A Deep Dive into Italy’s Gift to the World

The Negroni. Just the name conjures up images of sophisticated bars, clinking glasses, and that perfect bitter-sweet-citrusy hit that’s made it a legend in the cocktail world. This iconic drink has a ripper history, heaps of variations, and a simplicity that hides a surprisingly complex flavour. So, let’s crack open the history books, explore some different Negroni styles, and of course, learn how to make the classic version like a true blue pro.

A Bit of Negroni History

This bad boy hails from Italy, way back in the early 1900s. The story goes that Count Camillo Negroni, a regular at Caffè Casoni in Florence, was a bit of a legend himself. He loved his Americanos (that’s Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water), but wanted something with a bit more kick. So, around 1919, he asked the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to swap out the soda water for gin. To make it different from the Americano, Scarselli chucked in an orange peel instead of the usual lemon. And boom! The Negroni was born.

4. The Classic Negroni: Your Go-To Recipe

   The beauty of the Negroni is in its simplicity. Just three ingredients, all in equal parts:

   • 30ml Gin: A good quality London Dry gin is the classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. Old Tom gin will give you a sweeter Negroni, while Navy Strength gin packs a real punch.
   • 30ml Sweet Vermouth: This adds depth and sweetness. There are loads of great vermouths out there – Carpano Antica Formula, Punt e Mes, and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino are all top-notch.
   • 30ml Campari: This gives the Negroni its signature bitter edge.

   How to make it:

   1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
   2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
   3. Stir well until it’s nice and chilled. Don’t shake it, mate – you want it smooth, not cloudy.
   4. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Chucking your glass in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand makes it extra fancy.
   5. Garnish with an orange peel, giving it a good squeeze over the glass to release those lovely citrus oils before you drop it in.

   Negroni Variations: Shake Things Up a Bit

   The Negroni is a versatile beast, and there are heaps of variations out there. Here are a few to get you started:

   • Negroni Sbagliato: This translates to “mistaken Negroni”. Apparently, a bartender accidentally used sparkling wine instead of gin, and a new classic was born. It’s lighter and fizzier than the original. Just swap the gin for Prosecco or another sparkling wine.
   • Boulevardier: Feeling a bit fancy? This one uses bourbon or rye whiskey instead of gin for a richer, warmer flavour.
   • White Negroni: This modern twist uses Suze (a French gentian liqueur) instead of Campari and Lillet Blanc instead of sweet vermouth. It’s lighter in colour and has a more herbal, floral flavour.
   • Mezcal Negroni: If you like a bit of smoke, this one’s for you. Swap out the gin for mezcal for a seriously bold and complex drink.
   • Coffee Negroni: Need a caffeine hit? Add a shot of cold brew coffee to your Negroni for a rich and energising twist.
   
   

Tips for a Top-Notch Negroni

• Quality Ingredients: Because the Negroni is so simple, using good quality booze makes a huge difference.
• Stir, Don’t Shake: Shaking makes it cloudy, and we want a nice, clear Negroni.
• Chill Everything: A chilled glass and chilled ingredients make for a perfectly chilled Negroni.
• Garnish with Flair: An orange peel is classic, but you can get creative with other citrus fruits or even herbs like rosemary.

The Negroni: More Than Just a Drink

The Negroni has become a true icon in the cocktail world. It’s popped up in movies, TV shows, and books, and it’s a favourite amongst bartenders and drinkers alike. Its bitter-sweet balance, striking red colour, and simple elegance have made it a timeless classic.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar! 

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

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• Negroni
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.