How to Make the Perfect Negroni: A Simple Guide to an Iconic Cocktail

There’s something undeniably timeless about a Negroni. Balanced, sophisticated, a little bitter and a little sweet — it’s the kind of cocktail that makes even an ordinary night feel like an occasion. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re hosting friends, setting the tone for a dinner party, or just treating yourself to a slow moment at the end of the day, a Negroni is the definition of simple elegance.

What You’ll Need

A Negroni uses a classic equal-parts formula. You can scale it up or down with ease — but the ratio always stays the same.

1 oz Gin
Choose something botanical and bright.

1 oz Sweet Vermouth
Look for a quality vermouth — it makes a big difference.

1 oz Campari
The signature bitterness and colour come from here.

Ice

Orange Peel for garnish

How to Make It

Ready in minutes, enjoyed slowly.

1. Add your ingredients to a mixing glass.
Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari over plenty of ice.

2. Stir, don’t shake.
A Negroni should be silky and cold — aim for about 20–25 seconds of stirring.

3. Strain into a rocks glass.
Use fresh ice. Large cubes work best and melt more slowly.

4. Garnish with an orange peel.
Express the oils over the drink (a gentle twist over the glass) and drop it in.

Make It Your Own

The Negroni is endlessly customizable. A few fun twists:

Boulevardier: Swap gin for bourbon. Rich, warm, and perfect for fall.

Negroni Sbagliato: Replace gin with prosecco for a lighter, sparkling version.

White Negroni: Use dry gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze for a bright and herbal riff.

When to Serve It

The Negroni is a multitasker:

Pre-dinner aperitif

At-home date night

Holiday hosting

Girls’ night in

A quiet Friday evening ritual

It’s the cocktail people remember — bold, balanced, and beautiful in the glass

A Host’s Tip

Want to make hosting even easier? Batch Negronis in advance. Mix equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari into a sealed bottle and keep it chilled. When guests arrive, just pour over ice and garnish.