Negroni, drink from Italy: what it is and how it is eaten

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari, poured over ice and garnished with an orange slice or peel. Originating in Florence in the early 20th century, it is served as an apéritif before meals and is known for its balanced, bittersweet flavor.

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Made with equal parts gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari
Created in Florence, Italy, around 1919–1920
Served over ice and garnished with an orange slice or peel
Recognized as an official IBA cocktail
Inspired by the Americano, an older Italian drink

What is Negroni?

A Negroni is a short, spirit-forward cocktail with a vivid red color, served in a low glass over ice. It combines gin, sweet red vermouth (an aromatized, slightly sweet fortified wine), and Campari, a bitter Italian liqueur. The drink is garnished with a slice or peel of orange, which adds a citrus aroma. The taste is a blend of herbal, bitter, and sweet notes, making it both refreshing and complex. It is typically enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Where does Negroni come from?

The Negroni traces its roots to Florence, Italy, around 1919–1920. Count Camillo Negroni is said to have asked a bartender at Caffè Casoni to strengthen his usual Americano (a mix of vermouth, Campari, and soda) by replacing the soda with gin. The drink took on the count’s name and soon became popular. Earlier drinks like the Milano–Torino and Americano, which mixed vermouth and Campari, set the stage for the Negroni. While some claim French or even American origins, the most widely accepted story places its birth in Florence.

How is Negroni made?

To make a Negroni, equal parts gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari are poured directly into an old fashioned or rocks glass filled with ice. The drink is gently stirred and garnished with an orange slice or peel. Some versions use a lemon twist instead. The International Bartenders Association recommends building the drink in the glass, not shaking or stirring separately. The garnish signals the drink’s identity, with orange distinguishing it from similar cocktails.

How and when is Negroni eaten?

The Negroni is served as an apéritif, which means it is typically enjoyed before a meal to awaken the palate. It is commonly offered in bars and restaurants, especially in Italy, but has become popular worldwide. The drink is served cold, over ice, and is sipped slowly. It is not usually paired with food, but may accompany light snacks or appetizers. The orange garnish adds a fragrant touch as you drink.

Kinds of Negroni

Many variations on the Negroni exist. The Negroni sbagliato swaps gin for sparkling wine. Other versions use spirits like vodka (Negroski), tequila (Agavoni), pisco, or akvavit. The White Negroni replaces vermouth and Campari with lighter, herbal liqueurs. Some recipes use Aperol instead of Campari for a milder bitterness. Regional twists and creative substitutions are common, but the classic remains equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari.

What Negroni means

The Negroni is a symbol of Italian cocktail culture and is recognized as an official IBA (International Bartenders Association) cocktail. Its popularity has spread far beyond Italy, appearing in cocktail books and bars worldwide. The drink is often associated with aperitivo hour, a social tradition in Italy. Stories about its creation and famous fans, like Orson Welles, add to its mystique. Negroni Week, an annual event, celebrates the cocktail and raises money for charity.

Questions people ask about Negroni

What is a Negroni made of?

A Negroni is made with equal parts gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari, poured over ice and garnished with an orange slice or peel.

Where did the Negroni originate?

The Negroni originated in Florence, Italy, around 1919–1920, reportedly created for Count Camillo Negroni at Caffè Casoni.

How is a Negroni served?

A Negroni is served cold, over ice in an old fashioned or rocks glass, and garnished with an orange slice or peel.

Is the Negroni sweet or bitter?

The Negroni is both bittersweet and herbal, with the bitterness of Campari balanced by the sweetness of vermouth and the botanicals in gin.

Are there variations of the Negroni?

Yes, common variations include the Negroni sbagliato (with sparkling wine), and versions using spirits like vodka, tequila, or Aperol instead of gin or Campari.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Negroni", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Negroni