Negroni

A Negroni is a gin cocktail with a bitter orange edge, a sweet herbal middle and a long finish, stirred and served over ice in an old fashioned glass. CBC Liquors, Westford carries the gin, Campari and sweet vermouth it needs. This page covers why the drink works, how to stir it well, the common twists, how to make it ahead for a group and a version without alcohol.

Why does a Negroni taste so balanced?

A Negroni balances because each of its three ingredients covers what the others lack, and they go in at the same proportions. Gin brings dry, piney botanical structure. Campari brings bitterness and a bright bitter orange note. Sweet vermouth brings sweetness, spice and a soft winey roundness that keeps the Campari from turning harsh.

Take one away and the drink falls over. Without the vermouth it is sharp, without the gin it is sticky and without the Campari it is a plain gin and vermouth. The orange peel on top adds fragrant oils that lift the first sip before the bitterness arrives.

Where does the Negroni come from?

The Negroni comes from Florence, Italy, and is commonly dated to around 1919. As the story is usually told, Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to strengthen his usual Americano by swapping the soda water for gin. The bartender also replaced the lemon garnish with an orange slice to mark the change.

The Americano, a mix of bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth with soda, was already a familiar aperitif. The gin version took the count's name and has been a standard order at Italian bars and cocktail bars ever since.

How do you make a Negroni properly?

Make a Negroni by stirring the gin, Campari and sweet vermouth with ice in a mixing glass until the outside of the glass is cold, then straining it over fresh ice in a chilled old fashioned glass. Stirring, not shaking, keeps the drink clear and silky.

Use plenty of cold, solid ice in the mixing glass, since small wet ice melts too fast and waters the drink down. Pour over fresh ice in the serving glass, not the ice you stirred with, because that ice is already broken down. Finish by expressing an orange peel over the surface so the oils land on the drink, then drop the peel in.

The usual mistakes are stirring too little, which leaves it harsh and warm, and stirring too long, which leaves it thin. Taste once you think it is ready.

What are the common twists on a Negroni?

The most common twist on the Negroni is swapping one ingredient while keeping the other two. Each of these is a variation, not the recipe on this page.

A white Negroni is a twist that replaces the Campari with a pale, gentian-based bitter aperitif and the sweet vermouth with a dry or blanc vermouth. The result is golden, floral and more earthy than orange.

A gin swap is the simplest twist. A softer, more floral gin gives a gentler drink, and a bold juniper-heavy gin gives a sharper one.

A Negroni sbagliato is a twist that replaces the gin with sparkling wine, which makes it lighter and fizzier.

A barrel-aged style is a twist where the mixed drink rests in a wooden barrel. At home, a short rest in the fridge is the nearest equivalent.

How do you make a Negroni for a crowd?

Make a Negroni for a crowd by mixing the gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in a pitcher at the same proportions as the recipe, adding a little cold water, and chilling it. The water stands in for the dilution you would normally get from stirring over ice.

You can mix the pitcher several hours ahead, or the day before, and keep it covered in the fridge. Do not add ice to the pitcher, because it will melt and thin the drink. Stir the pitcher gently before serving, pour each drink over fresh ice in an old fashioned glass and express an orange peel over each one.

If the pitcher tastes a little strong when you try it, add a touch more water and chill it again. Keep the orange peels until the moment you pour so the oils stay fresh.

Can you make a Negroni without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a Negroni-style drink without alcohol from ordinary kitchen ingredients, though it will not taste identical. Aim for the same three jobs: bitter, sweet and herbal.

Grapefruit juice gives a bitter citrus edge. A little pomegranate or cranberry juice adds sweetness and a ruby colour. A splash of strong cold black tea adds the dry, tannic grip that gin and vermouth provide. Top with a little soda water for length if you like.

Stir it with ice, strain it over fresh ice in an old fashioned glass and express an orange peel over the top. This is a twist on the Negroni, not the recipe itself, and it suits anyone who wants the look and the bitter orange flavour without alcohol.

What do you need to buy for a Negroni at CBC Liquors in Westford?

For a Negroni you need three bottles from the shelves at CBC Liquors, Westford, and an orange from your own kitchen.

From the Gin shelf, brands in stock include KYRO, IRVINES and Short Cross. From the Liqueur shelf, Campari is in stock. From the Vermouth shelf, sweet vermouth brands in stock include METHOD and MARTINI ROSSI. The cards on this page show the products themselves, and you can add them to your order.

You can walk in at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, or order for pickup, delivery or shipping. Store hours are Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.