It doesn’t get more classic and sophisticated than a Negroni. This glorious gin cocktail has a rich history spanning over 100 years and remains just as popular today as it was when it was first invented.
From Audrey Hepburn’s drink of choice during her stint in Rome, to Stanley Tucci’s iconic Instagram cocktail series, the Negroni has gained fame across the world.
So how did the Negroni become one of the most popular drinks? And where did it all begin?
We asked gin expert & cocktail pro, our global Brand Ambassador Sim Edwards, all about this classic drink. And how best to make one.
WHAT IS A NEGRONI?
A Negroni is a classic gin cocktail that’s been around for over a century. Made with equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari, it’s packed with herbal, aromatic flavours that are perfectly bittersweet.
Is A NEGRONI A STRONG COCKTAIL?
As the Negroni is entirely made of alcohol, it’s known as being a strong drink. For this reason, it’s best drunk slowly with small sips. Stirring a Negroni with ice does however dilute and chill the liquor, reducing the burn often experienced with stronger cocktails.
WHAT DOES A NEGRONI TASTE LIKE?
The Negroni cocktail is known for its bitter, herbal taste. Campari adds a signature rich redness with notes of citrus and spice. Whilst dry gin adds the flavour or juniper, coriander and zesty botanicals. The tartness is then balanced by the addition of sweet vermouth which adds a subtle hint of dark fruit and vanilla.
WHAT TYPE OF PERSON DRINKS A NEGRONI?
Since rising to fame, the Negroni has become a go-to cocktail order for all sorts of individuals. It’s big, bold, characterful flavour goes down a storm with most. For gin lovers and newbies. Cocktail connoisseurs and those new to the stirred not shaken scene. The Negroni is for everyone.
IS A NEGRONI A BEFORE OR AFTER DINNER DRINK?
The Negroni is an original gin aperitif cocktail, meaning it’s perfect for sipping before dinner is served. Each of the three ingredients are considered aperitifs on their own, whilst the bitters work to stimulate the senses and ignite the digestive system. Sip between bites of olives, bread and antipasti, Italian style.
The Negroni’s tangy, strong flavour also lends itself to being an excellent digestivo drink. So if you fancy a cocktail after the plates have been cleared, don’t be shy to order another round.
NEGRONI COCKTAIL HISTORY
WHERE WAS THE NEGRONI INVENTED?
It is believed that the Negroni first originated in Florence, Italy, in 1919 at Caffè Casoni, now known as Caffè Giacosa which reopened in 2023.
The drink is named after Count Camillo Negroni who asked his friend and bartender, Forsco Scarselli, to strengthen his favourite cocktail (the Americano) by replacing the soda water with gin. Scarselli added an orange garnish – rather than the lemon you’d usually get with an Americano – and the Negroni we know today was born.
Whilst there’s no written proof, the origin story of the Negroni has been passed down from bartender to bartender and pays tribute to its Italian heritage.
MAKING A NEGRONI
WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT NEGRONI RECIPE?
Since 2015, the Negroni has fast become one of the most popular cocktails in the world. It’s simple, complex, wonderfully bitter and a great way to enjoy your favourite gin.
The best and most balanced Negroni is the classic recipe:
- 1 Part Beefeater London Dry Gin
- 1 Part Campari
- 1 Part Sweet Vermouth – I opt for Antic Formula
- Garnish with fresh orange peel
WHAT’S THE KEY TO A PERFECT NEGRONI?
Simple and easy. The key to getting a Negroni right is dilution, making sure it’s stirred and not shaken. I see this more often that I would like to admit!
By stirring, you are chilling the drink and controlling the dilution. When you shake you can’t control the dilution and will end up adding a fair amount of aeration so you will not longer than the silkier and vicious cocktail we all know and love.
It’s difficult to go wrong as long as the ice is good and the sweet vermouth is kept in a fridge and not on the back bar.
WHAT IS THE BEST GIN FOR A NEGRONI?
A good Negroni is traditionally made with London Dry Gin which adds clean, bold juniper flavours to the cocktail. Beefeater London Dry also brings strong notes of citrus that pair perfectly with the bitter Campari. Just one reason why it’s The World’s Most Awarded Gin.
Based on an original 19th century recipe, Beefeater London Dry is as timeless as the Negroni itself. You couldn’t name a better pairing.
WHAT GLASS SHOULD A NEGRONI BE SERVED IN?
Traditionally a Negroni should be served in a lowball glass, otherwise known as a tumbler or rocks glass. Short, wide and pleasant to hold, this type of glass is suited to neat cocktails like the Negroni, Old Fashioned and Gin Sour.
NEGRONI TWISTS FOR BEGINNERS
The Negroni is quite a bitter drink, so it might not be for everyone. But with a long history comes plenty of opportunity to make a cocktail your own.
In the last few decades, there’s been plenty of Negroni variations invented. Many of which have become classics of their own. For a lighter, more zesty serve, try a White Negroni that swaps Campari and sweet vermouth for Lillet Blanc and Suze aperitif. Or mix up a Blood Orange Negroni and pump up the citrus sweetness with Beefeater Blood Orange Gin.
Want to learn more about other cocktail recipes? Check out the fascinating history of the Gin and Tonic and don’t miss our guide to gin vs vodka Martinis. From classic serves to modern fruity mixers, we’ve also got plenty more gin cocktails to make with Beefeater.