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If you love strong, bittersweet cocktails with a smooth finish, learning how to make the best negroni is a must. This Italian classic uses just three main ingredients, which are Campari, gin and vermouth, for a perfectly balanced drink that’s both bold and elegant. It’s stirred, not shaken, and served over ice with a slice of orange for a citrusy finish. Ideal as a pre-dinner cocktail, this timeless drink is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Two glasses of iced negroni cocktail with orange slices and garnish, surrounded by orange wedges on a white surface.

Wondering how to make the best negroni? Combine equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari over ice, stir, and then garnish with a fresh slice of orange.

Love trying new cocktails? Try watermelon palomas, cranberry margaritas, rum runners, or sherbet champagne mimosas.

A glass of red cocktail with ice, orange slice, and orange twist garnish on a skewer—the perfect way to enjoy a classic Italian cocktail with Campari.

Why You’ll Love It

Easy to make: Just 3 ingredients stirred over ice.
Bold flavor: A great balance of bitter, sweet and botanical.
Elegant presentation: The orange slice adds a classy touch.
Perfect for any occasion: Great before dinner or during a gathering.
Time-tested: A classic cocktail that never goes out of style.

Top view of a Negroni cocktail—a classic Italian cocktail with Campari—served over ice and garnished with orange peel on a skewer, resting on white coasters.

Best Negroni Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Campari: A bright red liqueur with a bittersweet flavors including cherry, clove, cascarilla, cinnamon, rhubarb, and orange. This Italian liqueur brings signature color and bite.
Gin: Adds crisp, herbal notes that round out the flavor. Pick something bold with juniper flavors so it stands up to the vibrant Campari taste.
Red vermouth: Balances the bitterness with sweetness and depth. Something sweet like Martini Rosso, Cinzano Rosso or Carpano Antica would be great in this cocktail.
Ice cubes: Chill the drink without diluting it too much.
Orange slice: Adds a touch of citrus aroma and visual appeal.

Three glass jars with red, clear, and dark liquids hint at a classic negroni cocktail. A cocktail shaker, bar tools, and fresh orange slices on a plate complete this inviting setup for crafting a perfect cocktail with Campari.

How to Make the Best Negroni

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Combine ingredients: Add Campari, gin, vermouth and ice to a cocktail jug or glass.
Stir and chill: Stir until well chilled.
Strain and serve: Pour into 2 glasses.
Garnish: Top each with half an orange slice, serve and enjoy.

Top view of a negroni cocktail with ice and an orange slice, garnished with a citrus twist, on white coasters—perfect inspiration for learning how to make the best negroni at home.

Substitutions and Variations

Use pink gin: For a slightly sweeter version with floral notes.
Swap vermouth: Try dry vermouth instead of sweet for a sharper flavor profile.
Make a sbagliato: Replace gin with sparkling wine for a lighter twist.
Make a boulevardier: Swap the gin for whiskey for a smoother blend.
Make a cin-cyn: Swap the Campari for Cynar (pronounced CHEE-nar). It’s lower in alcohol than Campari and has a lighter taste.
Try different garnishes: Use lemon peel or blood orange for variety.

A glass of iced red cocktail with Campari, garnished with an orange slice and twist, sits on white coasters—a classic Italian cocktail presented in style.

Serving Suggestions

As an aperitif: An aperitif, or drink served before dinner, can be enjoyed on its own or with some light nibbles such as jalapeno popcorn or roasted party nuts.
With appetizers: You can also pair your classic Italian cocktail with something a little more filling such as steak and mushroom bruschetta, arancini or mini pizza bagel bites.

Two glasses of iced red negroni cocktails with orange garnishes, surrounded by orange slices on a white surface—a classic Italian cocktail with Campari.

How to Store Negroni Cocktails

Store: You can keep mixed negroni in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator for several weeks, although it does taste fresher when mixed right before serving.
Freeze: These don’t freeze well because of the alcohol content.

A glass of orange cocktail with ice, garnished with an orange twist, and orange slices in the background—perfect for enjoying a classic negroni cocktail or any refreshing cocktail with Campari.

Top Tips

Use quality gin: The better the gin, the smoother the drink.
Stir, don’t shake: Stirring preserves the silky texture.
Serve immediately: Negronis are best fresh and cold.
Chill your glass: It helps maintain the temperature of the drink.

A glass of orange cocktail with ice, an orange slice, and a twisted peel garnish on a skewer—perfect for anyone curious about how to make the best negroni or seeking a vibrant cocktail with Campari.

Classic Italian Negroni FAQs

Why is this drink stirred, not shaken?

A Negroni is stirred instead of shaken to preserve its bold, balanced flavor. Shaking adds too much air and can dull the carefully layered sweet, bitter and herbal notes.

What’s the history of this cocktail?

It dates back to 1919 in Italy. Count Negroni ordered an Americano but replacing the club soda with gin. This Count was actually a working cowboy travelling across the US. It gained popularity after that and also experienced a revival in 2014 with the introduction of “negroni week”!

What serving glass is best for a negroni?

Traditionally, a martini glass, short rocks glass or old-fashioned glass is perfect for serving this classic Italian cocktail.

Two glasses of classic Italian cocktail with ice, orange slices, and a curled orange garnish, with orange wedges nearby—perfect for enjoying a refreshing negroni cocktail.

How to Make a Classic Italian Negroni

5 from 5 votes

How to Make the Best Negroni

This negroni recipe combines gin, Campari and sweet vermouth for a bold, classic cocktail. It's stirred with ice and served with a fresh orange slice for balance. This classic Italian cocktail is a timeless favorite.
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients 

  • 2 Ounces Campari
  • 2 Ounces gin
  • 2 Ounces vermouth, I used red vermouth
  • Cup ice cubes 
  • 2 Slices orange

Instructions 

  • Add ice cubes, Campari, gin and vermouth to a small pitcher or large glass.
  • Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until liquid is cold and then strain into 2 serving glasses. 
  • Garnish each drink with an orange slice.

Notes

Use quality gin: The better the gin, the smoother the drink.
Stir, don’t shake: Stirring preserves the silky texture.
Serve immediately: Negronis are best fresh and cold.
Chill your glass: It helps maintain the temperature of the drink.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Now that you know how to make the best negroni, you’ve got a go-to cocktail for any occasion. This iconic drink is equal parts elegant and easy, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cocktail fans. The bitterness of Campari, smoothness of gin and sweetness of vermouth work together beautifully. Garnish with orange, pour over ice and enjoy a sip of timeless Italian sophistication.

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Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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