The Best Homemade Negroni Recipe

Whip up the perfect homemade Negroni with just three ingredients—discover the secret to this classic cocktail's bold, balanced flavor.

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade Negroni recipe is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors. You’ll love how simple it is to mix up a drink that feels fancy but takes just minutes.

  • Perfect balance—bitter, sweet, and herbal notes blend together for a drink that’s smooth and invigorating.
  • Only three ingredients—no complicated steps, just equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  • Impressive yet effortless—it looks and tastes like a bartender’s special, but you can make it at home anytime.

Recipe

balanced bitter italian cocktail

The classic Negroni is a timeless cocktail that balances bitterness, sweetness, and herbal complexity in perfect harmony. Originating in Italy, this cocktail is simple to make yet delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that has made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • Orange twist or slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
  2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  3. Stir well for about 30 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.

Notes:

For a smoother taste, consider stirring the ingredients longer to dilute slightly. Adjust the proportions to suit your preference for sweetness or bitterness.

Equipment:

Mixing glass or shaker, bar spoon, rocks glass, jigger

Time:

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Cuisine:

Italian

Serving:

Serves 1

Nutrition

Sodium: 5mg | Sugar: 8g | Fiber: 0g | Alcohol: 14g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade Negroni with sharp cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar—they bring out its bold flavors perfectly. Light bites, like olives or prosciutto-wrapped melon, also balance the drink’s bitterness and add an invigorating touch. It’s a simple way to make the experience feel extra special.

Cheese Pairings

Since a Negroni’s bold, bitter, and slightly sweet flavors can stand up to rich and complex cheeses, I’ve found that pairing it with the right ones can elevate the whole experience. Aged cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda work wonders—their nutty, sharp profiles complement the cocktail’s depth. Blue cheeses, such as Roquefort or Stilton, bring a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the bitterness beautifully. For something milder, I love a creamy Brie or Camembert; their buttery texture softens the Negoni’s intensity. Experiment with these pairings, and you’ll see how each bite enhances the drink’s unique character.

Light Bites

Light bites can make or break your Negroni experience, so it’s worth choosing wisely. I love pairing mine with salty, crunchy snacks like marinated olives or spiced nuts—they balance the drink’s bitterness perfectly. A simple bruschetta with ripe tomatoes and basil adds freshness, while prosciutto-wrapped melon brings a sweet-savory twist. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve crispy arancini or mini focaccia squares. The key is keeping it light; you don’t want anything too heavy overpowering the Negroni’s bold flavors. Trust me, the right bite elevates every sip, making the whole experience feel like a tiny celebration.

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