Negroni: The Italian Classic Worth Mastering

2 minutesPublished Aug 21 2026
Negroni: The Italian Classic Worth Mastering
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Negroni: The Italian Classic Worth Mastering

Few cocktails are as instantly recognisable as the Negroni. With its striking ruby-red colour and bold bittersweet flavour, it's become a favourite for everything from pre-dinner drinks to home cocktail nights. Best of all, it's incredibly simple to make, requiring just three ingredients in equal measures.

A Brief History

The Negroni is believed to have been created in Florence, Italy, around 1919. According to the popular story, Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favourite Americano cocktail by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was a richer, more complex drink that quickly became a classic.

More than a century later, the Negroni remains one of the world's most celebrated cocktails—and for good reason.

What You'll Need

  • 25ml Gin
  • 25ml Campari
  • 25ml Sweet Vermouth
  • Ice
  • Orange peel for garnish

How to Make a Classic Negroni

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add the gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.
  3. Stir for around 30 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
  5. Finish with an orange peel garnish.

Why It Works

The beauty of a Negroni is its balance. The gin brings botanical character, Campari delivers its signature bittersweet orange notes, and sweet vermouth adds richness and spice. Together, they create a cocktail that's bold, refreshing and surprisingly easy to enjoy.

Whether you're discovering it for the first time or mixing one to celebrate Negroni Week, it's a timeless cocktail that's well worth adding to your repertoire.

Ready to mix your own? Explore our range of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth and create this Italian classic at home.

About the Author
Kelly is one of Still Spirit's in-house whisky experts, regularly featuring on the Still Spirit YouTube channel and one of the earliest team members involved in the launch of Whisky Hammer (the online whisky auction). Kelly's experience started as Tour Manager at The Glenlivet distillery, followed by a number of years improving her knowledge of 1000s of bottles of old and rare whiskies catalogued at Whisky Hammer.

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