What does a Negroni taste like?
A Negroni tastes bitter, boozy and bittersweet: orange peel and herbs from the Campari, a little grapey sweetness from the vermouth, and a piney backbone from the gin.
Negroni
bitter, boozy, orange peel
A Negroni is equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, stirred and poured over ice. The first sip is a jolt of bitter orange, like chewing the peel, then the vermouth rounds it out with a raisiny, spiced sweetness. The gin keeps it dry and piney underneath. It's all booze, no juice, so it sips slowly and gets friendlier as the ice melts. It ends bitter and long, which is exactly the point: people who love it really love it, and first-timers often need two or three tries.
Where you’ll see it
On almost every cocktail list, usually over a big ice cube with an orange peel or slice. Bars riff on it constantly: mezcal Negronis, white Negronis, barrel-aged ones, and the fizzy Sbagliato with prosecco instead of gin.
Order it if you like bitter flavors and want a slow, strong drink before dinner.
Quick questions
- Is a Negroni strong?
- Yes. It's three spirits and no mixer, so it's one of the stronger drinks on a menu. Sip it slowly and let the ice do some work.
- Why is a Negroni so bitter?
- Campari. It's an Italian bitter liqueur made with orange peel and herbs, and it's a full third of the drink. Swap it for Aperol if you want it gentler.
- What's the difference between a Negroni and a Boulevardier?
- A Boulevardier swaps the gin for bourbon or rye, so it tastes warmer and rounder, with more caramel and less pine.