la famiglia Negroni

September 27, 2022

The Negroni is one of the most delicious and beloved classic cocktails. It has the perfect balance of sweet and bitter that exemplifies Italian cocktails & Aperitivo. We love the Negroni as much as anybody, but did you know it has cousins? Introducing the Negroni Sbagliato and the Negroni Americano: two drinks based on the Negroni but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Let's start at the beginning.

Negroni Cocktail

The Classic Negroni

1 oz dry gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Garnish with orange

Steps

Combine the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixer filled with ice, and stir until frosty.
Strain into cocktail glass with ice
Garnish with orange

There are some variations, but this will provide a reliably delicious Negroni. The key ingredient in the Negroni is Campari. It's a classic liquor that provides the complex old-school flavor that most modern cocktails miss.

Negroni Americano

On a lighter note: The Negroni Americano

1 1/2 oz Campari
1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
Soda water, Chilled
Garnish with orange

Steps

Combine Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixer filled with ice and stir.
Strain into cocktail glass with ice
Top with soda water and stir gently to combine
Garnish with orange

The Americano is prized for, above all else, its drinkability. Its low alcohol content and light, bubbly flavor make it a welcome addition to any warm afternoon or meal outdoors.

Negroni sbagliato

Did someone say bubbles? The Negroni Ssbagliato

1 1/2 oz Campari
1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
1 1/2 oz Prosecco
Garnish with orange

Steps

Combine Campari and sweet vermouth into a mixer filled with ice and stir.
Strain into Champagne flute
Top with prosecco and stir lightly
Garnish with orange

They say a bartender accidentally created this instant classic when they added prosecco instead of Gin to a Negroni. I don't buy it. I think that bartender knew exactly what they were doing. It's a fantastic twist on a classic spritz. It would be highly welcome anytime you are outside with friends, particularly on a warm fall day.

Consider some of our bartender-approved wine and spirits items to help make these cocktails in style! Ciao.