National Negroni Week: How to Make a Negroni (The Right Way), and Why It Matters
- Rebecca Nicholson
- Sep 15, 2025
- 2 min read
There are cocktails – and then there are classics. Few drinks embody sophistication, balance, and timeless style quite like the Negroni.
With its ruby-red hue and perfectly poised flavour profile, the Negroni has stood the test of time, remaining a staple at hotel bars, members’ clubs, and chic soirées the world over.
And with National Negroni Week upon us (22nd-28th September 2025), what better excuse to celebrate Italy’s most iconic aperitivo?
Born in Florence in 1919, the Negroni was created when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his Americano cocktail by replacing soda water with gin. The result was a bold yet elegant blend that quickly became a global sensation. More than a century later, its charm endures—proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most enduring.
The Perfect Balance
The Negroni is built on a rule of three: equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
It’s this symmetry that makes it one of the easiest cocktails to recreate at home, yet also one of the most rewarding when done right. The gin brings aromatic strength, the Campari adds bitter complexity, and the vermouth offers a rich, rounded sweetness. Together, they form a harmonious trio that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
How to Make a Negroni the Right Way
Ingredients
25ml London Dry Gin
25ml Campari
25ml Sweet Vermouth
Method
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a short rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with a twist of fresh orange peel, expressed over the glass to release its oils.
Pro Tips
Quality matters: With only three ingredients, the Negroni demands the best. Choose a robust gin, a well-balanced vermouth, and never skimp on fresh citrus for garnish.
Ice is everything: A single large cube not only looks elegant but also ensures a slow dilution, preserving the cocktail’s strength and flavour.
Make it your own: Variations such as the Negroni Sbagliato (with prosecco replacing gin) or the Boulevardier (bourbon instead of gin) keep the spirit of the Negroni alive while offering something different.
Why We Love It
The Negroni is more than a drink; it’s a ritual. It's actually our Editor's favourite drink!
Whether sipped as an aperitivo on a sun-drenched terrace in Milan or enjoyed at home as the first toast of the evening, it represents a moment of indulgence, sophistication, and timeless Italian style.
This National Negroni Week, raise your glass to a century-old classic that never goes out of fashion. Salute!
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