Classic Negroni Cocktail & Mezcal Negroni Variation

With its bold colors of red and orange, the traditional Negroni cocktail is one of the most striking and elegant drinks you can order. Created in Florence, Italy around 1919, the Negroni is said to be named after Count Camillo Negroni, who requested that his Americano cocktail be made stronger by substituting gin for club soda. The result was the birth of the Negroni—a drink that has become a timeless classic.

Today, the International Bartenders Association (IBA) has standardized the official Negroni recipe, meaning the Negroni you order in Tokyo should taste exactly like the one you order in London. A Negroni is a Negroni—unless, of course, you decide to put your own twist on it.

Classic Negroni Recipe (IBA Standard)

The recipe for the classic Italian Negroni is beautifully simple:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• Ice

• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.

2. Stir until well chilled.

3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

4. Garnish with an orange peel.

The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail—bittersweet, aromatic, and refreshing.

Mezcal Negroni Recipe (Smoky Twist)

If you’re looking to add a unique twist to the classic Negroni, try a Mezcal Negroni. Both mezcal and Campari have bold, complex flavors, making them a natural pairing. To balance the smokiness of the mezcal, I reduce the amount of sweet vermouth and add just a splash of fresh citrus.

Here is my Mezcal Negroni Cocktail recipe:

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Mezcal Negroni

For the Mezcal Negroni, I take some liberties. Tequila or Mezcal and Campari are excellent together. Both have a distinctive bite to them, and both have nuanced flavor profiles that unique. I reduce the amount of sweet vermouth in this cocktail and substitute just a whisper of freshly squeezed orange and lime juice to play off of the Campari's slightly bitter flavor and to brighten the Mezcal.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time0 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

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Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: Italian, Mexican

Keyword: cocktail, Mezcal, Negroni

Servings: 1

Calories: 316kcal

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

• 2 Ounces Mezcal Tequila
• 2 Ounces Campari
• 1 Ounce Noilly Prat Rouge
• 1/2 Mandarin Orange Juice only
• 1/2 Lime Juice only

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake 40-50 times until ice cold.
• Serve in an old fashioned glass with a slice of orange or lime

Nutrition Facts

Mezcal Negroni

Amount Per Serving

Calories 316 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 2mg0%

Potassium 73mg2%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 300IU6%

Vitamin C 22mg27%

Calcium 27mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Final Thoughts

Whether you stick to the classic Negroni or experiment with a Mezcal Negroni, this cocktail remains one of the most iconic drinks in the world. Its balanced flavor, striking color, and fascinating history make it a true standout at any bar.

Thanks for visiting my Food Blog, I hope you enjoy the Mezcal Negroni Cocktail recipe, please come back again soon! Cheers, Steven