Old Classic to a New Favourite
The Negroni stands tall among cocktail royalty, sharing its legacy with classics like the Martini and the Manhattan. With its equal parts gin, bitters, and sweet vermouth, this Italian aperitif is both bitter and sweet, dry and refreshing—a cocktail with a foot in both worlds. Stirred over ice and finished with an orange slice garnish, the Negroni’s simplicity and sophistication have secured its place in cocktail culture.
A History Steeped in Elegance
Like the Martini, the origins of the Negroni are cloaked in lore. However, the prevailing tale takes us to Florence, Italy, in 1919, at Café Casoni. Count Camillo Negroni, seeking something bolder than his usual Americano (a blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water), asked his bartender to kick it up a notch. The bartender swapped soda water for gin and replaced the lemon garnish with orange to mark the new creation.
The story doesn’t end there. The Negroni family later founded the Negroni Distillery in Treviso, producing the Antico Negroni—a ready-to-drink bottled version of the cocktail—cementing its legacy as a quintessential Italian aperitif.
The Role of Gin in a NegroniWhile the recipe is straightforward, the gin you choose can transform the cocktail. Gin is the backbone of a Negroni, standing up to the bold bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth. A well-selected gin balances these intense flavours, ensuring the cocktail isn’t too sharp or overly sweet.
So, what makes the perfect gin for a Negroni? Here are three key considerations:
Read more about the types of gin here.
From Old Favourites to New DiscoveriesClassic London Dry gins are a safe bet for purists, offering a crisp, clean profile that complements the Negroni’s bold ingredients. But if you’re ready to mix things up, contemporary gins bring exciting twists to the table. Try one with native botanicals or floral notes to create a version of the cocktail that’s uniquely your own.
Whether you stick to tradition or venture into modern territory, the joy of a Negroni lies in its adaptability. Every gin brings something different to the glass, offering endless opportunities for experimentation.
