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Negroni Recipe: The Perfect Italian Aperitif

The Negroni, born in Florence around 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked for gin in place of soda, is a study in elegant simplicity: equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari balanced by citrus oils from an orange twist. What makes a great Negroni is quality spirits, precise balance, and proper dilution—the bitter, sweet, and botanical notes should sing together without any one element dominating. A practical tip: stir the cocktail with a large ice cube until very cold and slightly watered down, then strain over a single clear ice cube and express the orange peel to release its oils. If you’re in Buffalo, stop by Buffalo House Liquor & Wines for ingredient recommendations.

Prep3 min
Servings1 cocktail
GlassRocks glass
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

1 oz Gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet vermouth

Instructions

  1. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  2. Stir gently for 15 seconds.
  3. Express orange peel oils over the drink, then drop it in.
Garnish: Orange peel
💡 Pro tips: The beauty of the Negroni is that you can build it directly in the glass — no shaker required. Try swapping the gin for bourbon to make a Boulevardier, or for mezcal to make a smoky Mezcal Negroni.

Shop the Bottles for Your Negroni

Pick up everything you need at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Tonawanda, NY — same-day delivery across Buffalo, Kenmore, Williamsville, and surrounding areas, or grab them in-store.

Gin Picks for Negronis


Want more cocktail inspiration? Browse our full cocktail recipes collection, or pair this drink with our latest spirits guides. For questions about any bottle, call us at (716) 770-1230.

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