Classic Negroni Cocktail

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A classic Negroni cocktail is mixed with equal measures of gin, red vermouth and Campari, then stirred over ice and finished with orange. The recipe uses 30 millilitres of each spirit for one serving, so measuring rather than free-pouring keeps the balance consistent. A low glass packed with ice chills the drink while gentle stirring combines the ingredients without shaking. Add a thin orange slice or a strip of peel for a fresh citrus aroma. This is a bitter-sweet, spirit-forward cocktail suited to slow sipping before a meal. Prepare each glass individually and serve immediately while cold. The equal-parts formula is simple to scale for additional servings, but measure each component separately so the characteristic balance remains the same from glass to glass.

Classic Negroni Cocktail

A classic Italian cocktail mixed from equal parts gin, red vermouth and Campari, served over ice with orange.

Helpful tips

  • Fill a low glass generously with ice before measuring the drink.
  • Measure 30 ml each of gin, red vermouth and Campari for one serving.
  • Pour the ingredients over the ice and stir gently to combine.
  • Use an orange slice or peel as the finishing garnish and serve while cold.

Serving ideas

  • Serve in a low glass over ice with orange.
  • Offer olives or other savoury aperitivo snacks alongside.
  • Pair with a small plate of cheese and crackers.
  • Serve before dinner in a measured single portion.

Storage

Mix and serve immediately over fresh ice. Keep the spirits sealed according to their labels between uses.

Ingredients and directions

Recipe card

Classic Negroni Cocktail

A classic Italian cocktail mixed from equal parts gin, red vermouth and Campari, served over ice with orange.

Prep 3 minCook 0 minTotal 3 minYield 1 cocktail
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Short serving glass, measuring jigger and bar spoon.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Fill the glass

    Fill a low glass with ice.

  2. Measure the ingredients

    Combine equal measures of gin, red vermouth and Campari.

  3. Pour and stir

    Pour the mixture over the ice and stir gently.

  4. Garnish

    Add a strip of orange peel or a thin orange slice and serve.

How to tell when it is ready

The cocktail should be thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted from stirring, with the orange added just before serving.

Tips

  • Fill a low glass generously with ice before measuring the drink.
  • Measure 30 ml each of gin, red vermouth and Campari for one serving.
  • Pour the ingredients over the ice and stir gently to combine.
  • Use an orange slice or peel as the finishing garnish and serve while cold.

Troubleshooting

  • If the drink tastes too strong, stir it longer with ice instead of changing the equal-part recipe.
  • If the orange overwhelms the drink, use a thin peel rather than a large slice.

Substitutions

  • The equal measures of gin, red vermouth and Campari define this classic version; replacing one spirit creates a different cocktail.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve in a low glass over ice with orange.
  • Offer olives or other savoury aperitivo snacks alongside.
  • Pair with a small plate of cheese and crackers.
  • Serve before dinner in a measured single portion.

Storage

Mix and serve immediately over fresh ice. Keep the spirits sealed according to their labels between uses.

Make one serving at a time and serve immediately over ice.