Negroni Recipe

Prepare glass

Select an old-fashioned (rocks) glass. If you prefer the Negroni very cold and slightly diluted, place the glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice and set aside while you mix the drink.

Mix ingredients

In a mixing glass (or cocktail shaker if no mixing glass), add additional ice to fill about two-thirds of the vessel. Pour in 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Campari.

Stir to chill and dilute

Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds—about 15–20 full turns—until the outside of the mixing glass feels cold and the liquid is properly chilled and slightly diluted. If you used a shaker, you may gently roll or stir rather than vigorously shake; the classic Negroni is stirred.

Prepare serving glass

Discard the chilling ice from the serving glass (if used). Add 1–3 large ice cubes or a single large sphere to the old-fashioned glass.

Strain and garnish

Strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the prepared serving glass over the large ice. Express the oils of one orange peel over the drink by holding the peel with the outside facing down above the glass and quickly pinching it so the oils spray onto the surface. Optionally rub the peel around the rim, then drop it into the glass (or add an orange slice if preferred).

Serve

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the bitter-sweet balance.

For a slightly rounder, colder Negroni, combine gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in equal parts in a bottle and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Pour over a large ice cube and garnish with orange peel when ready to serve.