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Culture & Lifestyle • Cocktail

Negroni

The Negroni is an Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, typically served over ice with an orange garnish.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Negroni is an Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, typically served over ice with an orange garnish. It is widely regarded as a classic aperitif and is known for its bitter, aromatic flavor profile. The Negroni is a staple in Canadian bars and restaurants, making it a familiar classic for Canadian readers interested in cocktail culture.

Origins

Popular accounts say the Negroni was created in Florence, Italy, in the early 20th century. The usual story is that Count Camillo Negroni asked for a stronger version of an Americano, replacing soda water with gin.

Ingredients and preparation

A classic Negroni uses equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It is typically stirred with ice, strained into a rocks glass, and served over ice with orange garnish.

Flavor profile

The Negroni is known for a bitter, herbal, and aromatic taste, with Campari providing the signature bitterness and vermouth adding sweetness and depth.

Variations and influence

The Negroni has become one of the best-known cocktails in the world and has inspired numerous riffs and related drinks. Notable examples include the Negroni Sbagliato and the Kingston Negroni.

Key facts

  • The Negroni is made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  • Its origin is commonly traced to Florence, Italy, created for Count Camillo Negroni.
  • It is stirred, not shaken, and served over ice with an orange garnish.
  • The drink is known for its bitter, aromatic flavor profile.
  • Variations include the Negroni Sbagliato and the Kingston Negroni.
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Canadian context

The Negroni is a staple cocktail in Canadian bars and restaurants, and its equal-parts formula makes it a familiar classic for Canadian readers interested in cocktail culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Negroni?
An Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, usually served over ice with orange garnish.
Where did the Negroni come from?
Common accounts place its origin in Florence, Italy, at Caffè Casoni, where it was reportedly created for Count Camillo Negroni.
Is a Negroni shaken or stirred?
It is typically stirred with ice, not shaken.
What does a Negroni taste like?
It is generally described as bitter, aromatic, and balanced by the sweetness of vermouth.
What garnish is used on a Negroni?
Orange peel or an orange slice is commonly used.

References

  1. Imbibe — https://imbibemagazine.com/recipe/negroni-recipe/
    Supports: Equal-parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth; origin story in Florence; variations such as Negroni Sbagliato and Kingston Negroni.
  2. Love and Lemons — https://www.loveandlemons.com/negroni-recipe/
    Supports: Definition of the Negroni as equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth; origin story linked to Count Camillo Negroni.
  3. Tasting Table — https://www.tastingtable.com/688194/classic-negroni-cocktail-recipe/
    Supports: Ingredients, stirred preparation, orange garnish, and origin story at Caffè Casoni in Florence.
  4. BBC Food — https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/negroni_26971
    Supports: Preparation method: pour over ice, stir, and garnish with orange slice.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negroni
    Supports: Concise overview: Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari; served with ice and orange garnish; classified as an aperitif.