The Negroni is an all time boozy cocktail classic. I discovered while crafting an Italian themed holiday meal. Three underlying ingredients shine complexity towards various taste profiles.

The three ingredients needed are Gin, Bitters, and Sweet Vermouth and each ingredient is key to crafting the final drink.

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Which Gin should you use?

Classic – Aviation Ryan Reynolds ordered a Negroni in Vancouver while filming. He enjoyed the drink so much he invested and became the spokesman of the brand. Whimsical commercials aside, this award winning Gin from Oregon leans on the Spice and Citrus flavors which lends itself well to the Negroni flavor profile playing well with the vermouth and bitters

Floral – Hendricks A crowd favorite puts the classic gin profile front and center with a heft of floral, juniper, and elderflower. Hendricks is a complex profile that requires careful choice of vermouth and bitters to not overpower and mute this wonderful gin.

Bold – Plymouth Navy Strength Another gold winning choice, this gin takes it up a notch in booze and flavor. This results in a medicinal elixir which is mighty enjoyable and exceptional

Wait, there are other vermouths?

Please don’t use the bottom shelf vermouth!

Cocktails are only as strong as their weakest link and typically the vermouth is what provides that “goodbye!” where consideration is not taken

Remember, Vermouth is a wine and doesn’t have the shelf life of other liquors. Therefore, it should be used promptly.

The Classic – Carpano Antica Formula This consistently wins as best overall in our group taste tests – no surprise it’s a bartender gold standard. It simply elevates the cocktail bringing an intensity that is not overpowering

Less Sweet – Carpano Punt E Mes Reach for this for an extra bitter negroni with an extra dose of fruit which pairs well with the Gran Classico bitter

Now, for the bitter

Classic – Campari This bright red Italian concoction dates back to 1860. This is a classic that enjoys a recent revival in the influencer sphere. However, I find it overvalued now that the price has increased significantly when there are cooler alternatives. I prefer Campari in an Americano on a hot summer day.

Broody – Tempus Fugit Gran Classico With wormwood and rhubarb, this bitter provides a syrupy mouthfeel that fits when you retreat to your dark home library to open up the globe bar

Game Changer – St George Bruto Americano This relative California newcomer lacks the Italian heritage but is a “bigger, better, bitterer” spirit. This makes it the go-to for the everyday Negroni. The Seville Orange and bitter from the gentian root profile provides a nice compliment for the target profile of the drink.

Variations

Mezcal – Substitute your favorite mezcal for the gin for a smokier, less floral cocktail
Cynar – Substitute a small portion of the bitter with this for a broody but bright variation