The Negroni cocktail was invented in Florence, Italy in 1919, and it quickly became a classic that is still enjoyed today. The cocktail is named after Count Camillo Negroni, who asked a bartender to make his Americano cocktail stronger by adding gin instead of soda water. The bartender obliged, and Negroni was born.
The classic Negroni is made with three simple ingredients: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The choice of ingredients is crucial to the success of the cocktail. We recommend using a high-quality gin, such as Beefeater London Dry Gin, to complement the bitterness of the Campari. As for sweet vermouth, we suggest using Martini Rosso.
We asked the world’s most experienced gin Master Distiller Emeritus, our very own Desmond Payne MBE, about his favourite cocktail: The Negroni.
“The negroni has always been a popular gin-based cocktail. It is a serious, grown-up drink. But just as gin has seen a blossoming of new styles, so has the Negroni. Much as I love to taste new expressions of the drink and the excitement it brings, for me I always go back to the classic style. A classic cocktail made with classic ingredients? It makes sense.”
35 ml
Fresh Lemon Juice
20 ml
Sugar Syrup
10 ml
Pomegranate Juice
10 ml
Soda Water
top with
Lemon Slice
to garnish
Pomegranate Seeds
to garnish
If you’re looking to experiment with different Negroni variations, Beefeater has a range of gin products that are perfect for mixing. Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin is a fruity and floral gin that works well in a Negroni. Beefeater Blood Orange Gin has a unique, bold flavor that pairs well with Campari and sweet vermouth. For a lighter and more refreshing Negroni, try Beefeater Light, which has lower alcohol content and fewer calories.
Negroni is a classic cocktail that is known for its bold and complex flavor profile, which makes it a great drink to pair with food. The bitterness of the Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth create a perfect balance that pairs well with a range of foods, from salty snacks to rich and meaty dishes.
Some popular food pairings with Negroni include salty snacks such as olives or potato chips, charcuterie boards with cured meats and cheeses, and dishes with bold flavors like pizza or pasta with a tomato-based sauce. The bitterness of the Campari can also help to cut through the richness of creamy dishes, making it a great pairing for fettuccine alfredo or carbonara.
When it comes to dessert, Negroni can also be a great pairing for chocolate or coffee-based desserts, thanks to its bitter notes. Try pairing it with a dark chocolate tart or a rich tiramisu for a delicious end to your meal.
When it comes to food pairing, it’s all about finding the right balance of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a a classic Negroni made with Beefeater London Dry Gin, or a variation made with Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin or Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin, experiment with different food pairings to find the perfect match for your palate.
While there are many Negroni variations worth trying, it’s important to remember that nothing can beat the classic Negroni recipe made with high-quality, Beefeater London Dry Gin – the world’s most awarded gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and a slice of orange.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous, some Negroni variations that you can try include the Boulevardier, Negroni Sbagliato, and White Negroni. For those looking for something different, the Zesty Negroni, Negroni Bianco, Rosita, and Mezcal Negroni are also great options to explore.
A bigger and bolder serve.
difficulty
Intermediate
flavour
Bitter
serve
tumbler
prep time
2
