5 Killer Riffs on The Negroni
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Imbibe & Unsplash
You think you know the Negroni? Oh, sweet summer child. Prepare to have your cocktail world turned upside down.
For Negroni Week 2024, we’re not just celebrating the classic Italian aperitivo; we’re honouring all the wild, wacky, and wonderful spins on this legendary libation.
Now, before you start waxing lyrical about its perfection, let’s get one thing straight: the Negroni is flawless in its original form. It is a delicate, heavenly blend of just three ingredients, yet somehow impeccably elevated. Much like all of us, the Negroni is perfect as it is, but its simple composition makes it a versatile springboard for experimentation. Many enjoy putting their own twist on the Negroni, introducing a variety of flavours that complement and contrast the signature bitter-sweet, syrupy indulgence of this quintessential cocktail.
Let’s dive into some of the most inventive, delicious, and downright weird takes on the Negroni. From subtle spins to major flavour innovations, there’s a Negroni variation for every palate, mood, and moment.
The Buzzy Negroni
This is the perfect example of the classic Negroni adapting to contemporary tastes. Coffee is the lifeblood of the 21st century. So naturally, it makes sense to add it into the mix. Enter the Coffee Negroni, the caffeinated cousin of the classic that’s here to power you through Negroni Week 2024 and beyond.
When you add coffee or cold brew to a Negroni the fruity notes from the Campari are heightened and the bitterness is complemented. When you pour your mixture of Campari, gin and vermouth through a coffee filter with a tablespoon of freshly ground coffee beans it brings out underlying warmer notes, and adds boldness and rich complexity to the cocktail. It is an entirely new creation, brimming with warm, earthy tones and rich complexity.
Ingredients
3cl Campari
3cl Vermouth
3cl Gin
The Friendly Negroni
This version was invented in the 1920s by Harry MacElhone, the proprietor of the iconic, Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. This bar is also credited as the birthplace of other famous cocktails like the French 75 and the Bloody Mary, so they clearly knew what they were doing.
This twist on the Negroni was named in honour of sports editor William “Sparrow” Robinson, who had a fondness for referring to even his slightest acquaintances as “old pals.” This drink carries that same sense of familiarity and comfort. Sparrow sounds like a very suave fellow, and you’ll feel just as cool as he was when you sip on one of these. What makes it special? Well, the sweet vermouth is swapped for a dry one, and rye whiskey takes the place of gin. The result is a clean, dry, and subtly spicy concoction that feels as classic as a firm handshake but as warm as a tight hug.
Ingredients
3cl Campari
3cl 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso
3cl Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey
The Stunnin’ Negroni
Some mistakes are so spectacular they should be celebrated. So raise a glass to The Negroni Sbagliato. “Sbagliato” means “mistaken,” as this version swaps gin for prosecco. And yes, its invention really was a mistake. To be fair, it’s the definition of a happy accident. Cocktail history was made in 1972 when bartender Mirko Stocchetto was working his shift at Bar Basso in Milan. He accidentally grabbed a bottle of prosecco instead of the gin while preparing a Negroni for a customer.
The result? A lighter, more refreshing take on the classic cocktail, with a pleasant effervescence and crisp acidity. This is a great option for Negroni newbies, as the refreshing zing of prosecco mellows the bitterness, making it more approachable for those less comfortable with strong cocktails, but still delivering those signature flavours.
Ingredients
3cl Campari
3cl 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso
3cl Cinzano Prosecco
The Rugged Negroni
The Boulevardier is the rugged cousin of the Negroni. Swapping out gin for bourbon, this Negroni variant adds a warmth and depth that practically demands a roaring fire, a well-worn leather chair, and a cigar.
The Boulevardier replaces gin with whiskey and was the signature drink of American writer Erskine Gwynne, and it’s easy to see why. The bourbon brings a richer, bolder taste that cuts through the herbal bitterness of the Campari, creating a more layered and complex sipping experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.
Ingredients
3cl Campari
3cl 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso
4.5cl Russell’s Reserve Bourbon
The Smoke Show
Mezcal is having a big moment on the Irish cocktail scene right now, so why not get it involved in the Negroni Week extravaganza too? Swap out the gin in your Negroni for mezcal, and behold: divine, earthy smokiness in a glass.
It’s a bold departure from the clean, crisp notes of gin, but it’s so worth it. Rich, complex, and full of character, mezcal adds an earthy, smokiness that complements the bitter-sweet flavours of Campari beautifully. The Mezcal Negroni brings a new depth to the cocktail with a more sensual, rustic edge.
Ingredients
3cl Campari
3cl 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso
3cl Montelobos Mezcal
Like a great pair of jeans and a nice top, the Negroni can be dressed up, dressed down, and savoured just about anywhere, for any occasion. The variations we’ve covered here are just the tip of the iceberg—there are endless possibilities when it comes to reinventing this classic. Don’t be afraid to experiment at home by swapping in your favourite spirits and liqueurs. Whether you’re into whiskey, mezcal, rum, or something a bit more unconventional this cocktail is versatile enough to handle it.
Just remember, there is no Negroni without Campari. So, no matter how far push the limits of experimentation, keep that Campari bottle close by—it’s the heart and soul of every variation.
