The Negroni, a classic cocktail made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, has been a favorite among spirits enthusiasts for nearly a century. While the original recipe remains a staple on many bar menus, modern mixologists have taken to experimenting with new flavors and twists to give this timeless drink a fresh spin. In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing Negroni recipes that put a creative spin on the classic cocktail. From smoky mezcal infusions to lavender-infused variations, these innovative recipes are sure to satisfy your thirst for something new and exciting.
Classic Negroni with Orange Peel Garnish
A timeless cocktail that combines sweet and bitter flavors, the Classic Negroni is a perfect drink for any occasion. This recipe adds a touch of elegance with an orange peel garnish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce Campari
– 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
– Orange twist or peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink by running it around the rim of the glass. You can also use the peel as garnish.
Cooking Time: N/A
Boulevardier (Negroni with Bourbon)
The Boulevardier is a variation of the classic Negroni cocktail, substituting bourbon for the traditional gin. This bold and complex drink is perfect for those who appreciate a strong whiskey flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, if desired, and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (ready in 1 minute)
White Negroni with Lillet Blanc and Suze
This refreshing twist on the classic Negroni cocktail is perfect for warm weather sipping. With its crisp, citrusy flavors and subtle sweetness, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
– 1/2 oz Suze (yellow Chartreuse)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, Lillet Blanc, Suze, and lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so simply prepare the ingredients and serve.
Negroni Sbagliato with Prosecco
Combine the classic Italian cocktail, Negroni, with a touch of Prosecco for a refreshing twist. This recipe is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a bubbly take on a timeless drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce Campari
– 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
– 4-6 ounces Prosecco
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with Prosecco.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in under 2 minutes.
Smoky Mezcal Negroni
Elevate your cocktail game with this bold and smoky twist on the classic Negroni. Smoked mezcal brings a complex, savory flavor to this spirit-forward drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz mezcal
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1 dash of smoked salt (optional)
– Orange twist or slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. If desired, sprinkle a dash of smoked salt on top (optional).
6. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Autumn Spiced Negroni with Cinnamon
As the seasons change, warm up with a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This Autumn Spiced Negroni incorporates cinnamon and spices to evoke the cozy feelings of fall.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Orange twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the ingredients.
4. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the flavors.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Gin-Free Aperol Negroni
For those who can’t or won’t use gin, this recipe offers a clever alternative to the traditional Negroni. By substituting gin with a flavorful liqueur, we create a unique and delicious drink that’s perfect for Negroni fans looking to mix things up.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz Aperol
• 1/2 oz Campari
• 1/2 oz sweet Vermouth
• Orange twist or slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Aperol, Campari, and sweet Vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express an orange twist or slice over the drink, then garnish.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Rosé Negroni with Pink Gin
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with this unique twist on the classic Negroni. This refreshing cocktail combines the subtle hint of pink grapefruit with the boldness of gin, making it a must-try for any spirit enthusiast.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Rosé Gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Pink Grapefruit Bitters
– Slice of pink grapefruit, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Rosé Gin, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Add 2 dashes of Pink Grapefruit Bitters.
6. Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit.
Cooking Time: None (ready in 1 minute)
Earl Grey-Infused Negroni
Elevate the classic Negroni cocktail by infusing it with the subtle, bergamot flavors of Earl Grey tea. This unique twist adds a citrusy depth to the traditional combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Earl Grey-infused simple syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– Orange twist or slice, for garnish
Earl Grey-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 Earl Grey tea bags
Instructions:
1. Steep the Earl Grey tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Let the syrup cool, then strain and discard the tea bags.
To make the Negroni:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Earl Grey-infused simple syrup, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for 20-30 seconds to combine and chill.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None
Negroni Sour with Egg White Foam
Elevate your Negroni game by adding an airy, velvety egg white foam to this already-delicious cocktail. This unique combination will transport you to the Tuscan countryside with its subtle bitterness and citrus notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 egg white
– Dash of orange bitters (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Add the egg white and shake again for another 5-7 seconds until frothy.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (just shaking and chilling!)
Enjoy your Negroni Sour with Egg White Foam!
Tropical Negroni with Pineapple Juice
Take your classic Negroni cocktail to the beach with this tropical spin, featuring pineapple juice and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– Lime wheel (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add the pineapple juice.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Express a lime wheel over the drink (if desired) and serve.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Bitter Chocolate Negroni with Cacao Nibs
Experience the perfect blend of bitter and sweet in this unique cocktail, featuring rich cacao nibs and dark chocolate liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Bittersweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Dark Chocolate Liqueur (such as Godiva)
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 3/4 oz Gin
– Cacao Nibs, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Bittersweet Vermouth, Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Campari, and Gin.
3. Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of cacao nibs.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Lavender-Infused Negroni
This innovative twist on the classic Negroni cocktail adds a floral and herbaceous touch to the traditional gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth combination. The subtle lavender flavor complements the bittersweet notes of Campari, creating a unique and sophisticated drink perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– Ice
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the dried lavender buds and 1/4 cup water.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the lavender flavors to infuse into the liquid.
4. Strain the lavender infusion into a mixing glass filled with ice.
5. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
6. Stir until chilled (about 20 seconds).
7. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
8. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Smoked Grapefruit Negroni
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Negroni, featuring smoky flavors and a tangy grapefruit twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 cup smoked grapefruit juice (see note)
– Ice
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Pour in the smoked grapefruit juice.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
6. Express an orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply mix and serve.
Note: To make smoked grapefruit juice, slice a grapefruit in half and smoke it over low heat (150°F – 200°F) for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, squeeze the juice and strain through a fine-mesh sieve. You can also use store-bought grapefruit juice and add a splash of liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Cold Brew Coffee Negroni
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Negroni, featuring rich cold brew coffee and sweet Campari.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz cold brew coffee
– 1 oz Campari
– 1 oz gin
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– Orange twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the cold brew coffee, Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
– Total time: 5-10 minutes
Herbal Negroni with Fernet-Branca
Elevate the classic Negroni cocktail by infusing it with the unique flavors of herbal liqueurs and Fernet-Branca. This refreshing twist is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 3 dashes Fernet-Branca
– 1 dash Lemon bitters (optional)
– Ice
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the shaker.
3. Add 3 dashes of Fernet-Branca and 1 dash lemon bitters (if using).
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Sparkling Watermelon Negroni
This refreshing twist on the classic Negroni cocktail is perfect for warm weather. The addition of watermelon puree and sparkling water adds a light, fruity flavor to this already elegant drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce Campari
– 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
– 1/4 cup watermelon puree
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice
– Watermelon slice or wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add watermelon puree and simple syrup to the drink, stirring gently to combine.
6. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
7. Garnish with a watermelon slice or wedge.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (including shaking and chilling)
Balsamic Strawberry Negroni
This refreshing twist on the classic Negroni cocktail combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of balsamic glaze, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
– Ice
– Fresh strawberry slice or sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Add the sliced strawberries to the shaker and muddle gently to release their juice and flavor.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the cocktail, allowing it to drizzle down the sides of the glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Summary
Get ready to shake things up with these 18 refreshing Negroni recipes that put a twist on the classic cocktail! From the Boulevardier (Negroni with Bourbon) to the Rosé Negroni with Pink Gin, each variation offers a unique spin on the original. Try adding a smoky touch with Mezcal or a hint of spice with cinnamon. Or, go bold with a White Negroni featuring Lillet Blanc and Suze, or indulge in a sweet treat with a Balsamic Strawberry Negroni. Whatever your taste, there’s a Negroni recipe here to suit your style.