Sober Negroni Recipe

Prepare glass and ice

Place an old fashioned glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice to chill while you prepare the cocktail. Use large ice cubes for slower dilution.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or shaker, add 2 oz non‑alcoholic gin substitute, 1 oz non‑alcoholic bitter aperitif, and 1 oz non‑alcoholic sweet vermouth substitute.

Optional adjustments

Taste the mixture before chilling. If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, add 0.25 tsp simple syrup and stir to combine. For more bright citrus, add 2 tsp fresh orange juice. If you want a lighter, slightly sparkling version, add 0.5 oz club soda and fold it in gently after stirring.

Stir and chill

Fill the mixing glass with ice (enough to nearly fill). Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture briskly for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (the spoon should feel cold).

Strain and serve

Discard the ice from the chilled serving glass and add 2–3 large ice cubes. Strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice.

Garnish

Using a peeler or knife, cut a wide peel from an orange (about 2–3 inches). Express the oils over the drink by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a firm twist so the oils release, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it into the drink as garnish.

Serve immediately. Provide a stirrer so the drinker can adjust dilution and chill while sipping.

Rinse or wash the mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, and peeler after use. Return the serving glass to its storage.