Chocolate Negroni Recipe

Chill glass

Place an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail to chill.

Combine spirits

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with plenty of ice, pour 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 0.5 oz chocolate liqueur.

Stir

Stir the mixture briskly for 20–30 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted (the outside of the mixing glass should be cold and slightly frosted). Stirring preserves clarity and texture.

Prepare glass

If you chilled the glass with ice water, discard the ice/water now. Add 1 large ice cube (or 1–2 large cubes) to the chilled rocks glass. If using the optional rinse, proceed to the next step before adding the cocktail.

Optional chocolate rinse

For a more pronounced chocolate note, add 2 dashes of chocolate bitters or swirl 1/4 tsp chocolate-infused high-proof spirit around the inside of the glass to coat it, then discard excess.

Strain

Strain the stirred cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the ice cube(s) using a julep or Hawthorne strainer to keep out small chips.

Express orange oil

Hold a fresh orange peel over the drink, skin side down, and give it a firm squeeze to express the oils onto the surface of the cocktail. Run the peel around the rim if desired, then drop it into the glass as garnish.

Garnish with cacao

Lightly sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of cacao nibs on top of the drink or on the orange peel to add texture and an extra chocolate aroma.

Serve immediately. The Chocolate Negroni is best enjoyed slowly to appreciate the balance of bitter Campari, botanical gin, sweet vermouth, and the added chocolate depth. If the cocktail tastes too sweet, reduce the chocolate liqueur to 1/4 oz next time; if too bitter, slightly reduce Campari by 0.25 oz.