How to Make a Negroni

Three ingredients, equal parts, no substitutions, no apologies. The Negroni is the drink that proves bitterness is a virtue — and it's nearly impossible to get wrong if you can pour evenly and stir.

The spec

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel, to finish

How to make it

Build all three over ice directly in a rocks glass — no shaker needed. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until cold and just diluted. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in. That's the whole drink.

Get the parts right

Equal parts is the point; it's what makes the Negroni foolproof and endlessly memorable. Use a fresh bottle of sweet vermouth and keep it in the refrigerator once opened — oxidized vermouth is the most common way a Negroni goes flat. Campari is the classic bitter here; swap in a lighter aperitivo only if you want a softer, sweeter drink.

Variations worth knowing

Swap the gin for bourbon and you've got a Boulevardier. Swap it for prosecco and lengthen it, and you've got a Negroni Sbagliato. Same backbone, different mood.

The glass

A Negroni is served over ice and wants room for a big cube. Pour it into our engraved rocks glass.

Frame the ratio on the wall with the Negroni spec print, and if your bar cart is still coming together, our home bar guide covers the essentials.