How to make a Negroni

If you don’t like a Negroni, grow up. 

This timeless cocktail takes three completely different flavours and marries them with a little orange peel bow. You can find them in Salt Dog Slims, being sipped in our outdoor seating area on a summer’s day. 

Negroni’s have a reputation for being an ‘acquired taste’ or one of the more ‘grown-up’ kinds of classic cocktails. But really, they’re for anyone who wants to have a little taste of Italy right at home. Learn how to make a Negroni with expert bartenders at Salt Dog Slims. 

Why is it called a Negroni? 

The legend goes that in 1919, at Florence’s Caffè Casoni, Count Camillo Negroni asked that his usual Americano be given more of a kick. The bartender, Fosco Scarselli, swapped soda water for gin and added an orange garnish instead of the typical lemon. 

The Negroni we know and love was born. 

However, cocktail origin stories are rarely straightforward. Others believe that a French general, Pascal Olivier de Negroni, concocted a similar drink in the mid-19th century. 

But this claim is muddied by timelines, given that Campari (an essential Negroni ingredient), wasn’t introduced until 1860. 

 

What is a Negroni made of? 

This classic Italian tipple brings together three key ingredients in equal measure: gin, Campari, and sweet red vermouth. 

Each part of the trio brings different flavours: botanical notes from the gin, a bittersweet punch from the Campari, and a touch of sweetness from the vermouth. 

Ingredients 

  • 25ml Gin
  • 25ml Campari
  • 25ml Sweet Red Vermouth
  • Ice (for mixing)
  • Orange Slice (for garnish)

How to make a Negroni 

1. Keep things cool

Begin by chilling your rocks glass. You can place it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. Now, your Negroni will stay cool for longer. 

2. Prepare mixing glass

Fill a mixing glass with plenty of ice cubes. By taking this extra step, you can have better control over dilution and temperature. 

3. Measure and pour ingredients

Using a jigger for accuracy, measure equal parts (typically 25ml each) of the following:

  • Gin: Opt for a gin with a rich botanical profile. 
  • Campari: This Italian bitter liqueur provides the distinctive bitterness and vibrant red colour of the Negroni.
  • Sweet red vermouth: A high-quality vermouth adds the necessary sweetness and depth.

Pour each ingredient into the mixing glass over the ice.

1. Stir the mixture

Using a bar spoon, gently stir the mixture for about 30 seconds.

2. Prepare the serving glass

If you used ice water to chill your rocks glass, empty it now. Place a large ice cube or several smaller ones into the glass. Using a large ice cube slows the dilution. 

3. Strain the cocktail

Using a strainer, pour the chilled mixture from the mixing glass into your prepared rocks glass over the ice. 

4. Garnish

Cut a fresh orange peel (make sure there’s as little pith as possible). Hold the peel over the glass and gently twist it to release the essential oils onto the surface of the cocktail.

Rub the peel along the rim of the glass for some additional aroma (and just to be fancy). Then, drop the peel into the glass as a garnish. 

 

Is Negroni better with Aperol or Campari? 

The Aperol vs. Campari debate is age-old, and people are certainly divided. 

Campari is the traditional choice for a Negroni, with its higher alcohol content (around 24% ABV) and its bitter, spice-forward notes. These elements stand up well against vermouth’s sweetness and the botanic profile of certain flavoured gins.

But Aperol is a tempting replacement for those with a sweet tooth. It’s lighter, fruitier, and has a lower alcohol content (11% ABV). It’s certainly the more approachable option for drinkers branching out into bitters. 

Ultimately, the ‘better’ choice hinges on your taste. If you favour an assertive Negroni, don’t mess with the classics. To dip your toe into this world, try Aperol first and see what you think. We can’t tell you what to do! 

Try a cocktail at Salt Dog Slims Liverpool and Manchester locations!

If you’ve taken anything from our guide on how to make a Negroni, let it be that we do it best. See for yourself at one of our locations! We’ve got American-inspired dive bars in Liverpool and Manchester.

Back