Celebrate National Negroni Week with a plethora of Negroni lover cocktail recipes. The Negroni, a sophisticated blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, has graced cocktail menus for over a century. While no one knows the exact story of how the cocktail was born, its origins are thought to be in 1919 in Florence, Italy. The story goes that Count Camillo Negroni requested a stronger version of his usual Americano cocktail at his local bar. The result? This iconic concoction, a vibrant crimson masterpiece that continues to draw in taste buds with its perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes.
But, the Negroni’s story doesn’t end there. This versatile cocktail has become a springboard for endless creativity, inspiring us and bartenders alike to experiment with new flavor combinations. No matter what type of drink you prefer, there’s a Negroni recipe out there made just for you. So grab your cocktail glass and stir up a delicious way to finish your day.
What is National Negroni Week?
National Negroni Week is an annual event that celebrates the iconic Negroni cocktail awhile encouraging the gift of funds to different charitable causes. It takes place from September 16 to the 22, bringing together bars and restaurants worldwide to offer special Negroni variations and promotions. The event encourages patrons to enjoy this classic cocktail while also supporting this year’s partner, Slow Food. You can help Slow Food’s mission to foster a more sustainable and equitable world of food and drink just by visiting a participating bar or restaurant to purchase a Negroni.
13 Recipes for Negroni Lovers
Classic Negroni
We’re starting off with tradition in the Italian landscapes. This timeless Classic Negroni is made with your favorite gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with a bit of orange peel essence. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and bitter to appeal to your taste buds and beyond.
Earl Grey Negroni
The complex citrus flavor of bergamot comes out in this Earl Grey version of a Negroni. Get ready for a sip of botanical sophistication with bittersweet Campari, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, and lemon bitters for a bit of pucker. It’s an abundance of flavor and liquor for a soothing beverage.
Espresso Negroni
We know you’ve heard of the Espresso Martini, but what about the Espresso Negroni? It’s known as an aperitif (usually drank before meals to stimulate the appetite) and an after-dinner drink. What makes it different from the usual Negroni is a shot of espresso and citrus simple syrup for a boost of energy.
Negroni Con Alma
This recipe is one you should follow to a tee to create the best Negroni possible. It comes from Con Alma, a jazz bar in Pittsburgh with musical flair. Instead of gin, the drink is centered around Zafra Master Reserve 21 Year Rum. The Negroni Con Alma is then complemented with Contratto Aperitif and Amargo-Vallet Angostura Bitter for a twist on a classic.
Strawberry Rhubarb Negroni
With summer just around the corner and spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to bring sunny flavors into a Negroni. The Strawberry Rhubarb Negroni uses spirits that are infused with strawberry and rhubarb to create a rounded out flavor profile. With the addition of rhubarb bitters, it’ll be unlike any drink you’ve had before.
The Beauty School Dropout: A Negroni Twist
Berries and botanicals are the key to The Beauty School Dropout: A Negroni Twist. Fresh strawberries, chamomile-infused gin, strawberry-infused Aperol, and a topping of Lillet Rosé completes this redesigned Negroni. It’s a bright take that all the Pink Ladies from Grease would sip on a Friday night.
Blood Moon Negroni
There’s something about rinsing a glass with moonshine that makes a drink so much better. After your moonshine rinse, you’ll put together a basic Negroni with the exception of a pinot noir reduction that adds an unexpected flavor. Garnish with a blood orange slice for aesthetics and taste, and you’ve got your Blood Moon Negroni.
Cherry Tart Negroni
Since a Negroni combines sweet and bitter flavors already, it makes sense to use the delicious tartness of cherry as the star. You’ll use a bit of fresh cherry juice and a few dashes of cherry bitters to make a Cherry Tart Negroni that’ll bring you back to the nostalgia of childhood candy.
Strawberry Negroni Bianco
If you’re looking for a simple cocktail that’s easy to make but adds in a twist of natural sweetness, then you’re in the right place. While our Strawberry Negroni Bianco isn’t too different from a traditional Negroni, it does use fresh strawberries and aperol for a fruity essence. It’s great for those who want to slowly dip their toes into the pool of Negroni recipes.
Papà ‘Groni: A Negroni with Flare
Who says a Negroni has to be the same recipe of Campari, gin, and sweet red vermouth everytime? Mix things up with our Papà ‘Groni, a cocktail featuring notes of cinnamon, toffee, and caramel alongside small hints of citrus and fruit flavors. It’s perfect to warm you up while taking in a relaxing evening on your porch.
Coo Coo for Coconuts Negroni
Take your cocktail on a tropical adventure with our Coo Coo for Coconuts Negroni. Instead of gin, you’ll use a healthy helping of tequila alongside a creamy banana sherry and pineapple-infused Campari. If you’re not sure about the bitterness of Negronis then try this recipe for a milder version.
Punch Drunk Negroni
A drink that’s so tasty that it goes down a little too easily is both a blessing and a curse. Our Punch Drunk Negroni mixes a fruity simple syrup and a bit of brut champagne into a traditional Negroni for a sweeter flavor and tickling bubbles. You’ll be surprised just how quickly you empty your glass and just how fast you move to make another.
Craft Negroni with Rum
Create a Craft Negroni with a rum-based recipe. By swapping gin for rum, you can add a touch of sweetness, spice, or complexity to this classic cocktail. The result is a balanced and flavorful drink whose profile depends on your choice of rum.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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