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AN ODE TO A TITAN
Founded ten years ago by Imbibe Magazine, Negroni Week is more than just an excuse to order a stiff drink. It's also a collaboration with the Slow Food movement, who for decades has championed a more intentional and sustainable approach to food & beverage production. Each year, bars across the world present either the classic Negroni or their own distinct spin on it, while making donations to Slow Food's charitable funds for what can only be described as cocktails for a cause. This year it falls from September 18-24 – but whether or not there's a participating bar in your city, there's no reason you can't whip up your own masterpieces at home.
Because as it turns out, the OG Negroni is just the tip of the iceberg. Below are ten of my absolute favorite variations from across the web, with links to the recipes as well as the bottles you'll need to recreate them. Even if the classic isn't your favorite, you should try your hand at another: with flavors ranging from apple to espresso, there's truly something for everything.
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THE TOP TEN
Classic Negroni
The Italian stunner that started it all, whose balanced bitterness is bracing and addictive all at once. With its three ingredients – gin, Campari and vermouth – each bringing a different component to the table, it's a cardinal sin to shake a Negroni instead of stirring it. Stirring allows all three to sing individually while also adding up to more than the sum of their parts; even the dilution you get from the ice helps to open up the botanicals.
When it comes to gin, a London Dry variety is the classic recommendation. Fords ($24.99) or Beefeater ($18.49) will never do you wrong, and there's rarely a reason you need to exceed their price point. Campari ($24.99), meanwhile, is a name-brand ingredient for a reason. I love subbing it out for different red bitters in other recipes (see the Boulevardier below), but in the Negroni I rarely dislodge the Godfather. Lastly, for the vermouth Dolin Rouge ($15.99) gives a lovely, classic, unobtrusive taste, while I turn to Cocchi Vermouth de Torino ($21.99) when I want a slightly more decadent experience. Bonus points to Cocchi for being as Italiano as it gets.
White Negroni
A 21st-century invention and the most ubiquitous Negroni riff across nationwide cocktail menus, the White Negroni frames gin with two very different supporting players. Subbing in for Campari, the French gentian-based liqueur Suze ($27.99) brings the bitterness, while Lillet Blanc ($19.99) has a honeyed sweetness that balances it out. Lillet is crisper than most syrupy vermouths, giving the White Negroni a more refreshing and less heady spin to it. It's the perfect accompaniment to higher temps and lighter meals — plus Suze and Lillet are worth the purchase when they're just as delicious on the rocks.
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Pink Negroni
Barbiecore may have peaked back in summer, but the fact is I still want this Pink Negroni injected directly into my veins. This recipe courtesy of Saveur combines gin, Campari and Lillet Blanc, making it a 50/50 mashup of the classic and White negronis above. New additions come in the form of lemon juice and Bittermens Burlesque Bitters ($21.99), an intriguing mix of hibiscus and acai flavors. If a classic Negroni is what you sip in the city, this is one worth mixing up by the beach.
Mezcal Negroni
This drink needs little in the way of explanation; it's all right there in the name. Fans of the smoky agave spirit will love how mezcal plays off the flagship ingredients, especially a bottle that's intended for cocktails and not for subtle sipping. Doña Vega ($39.99) is a new upstart we love while Del Maguey Vida ($31.99) is the bartender's go-to. Both have potent smoke and botanicals that won't get lost in the shuffle.
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Negroni Sbagliato
I refuse to quote the TikTok, but I'm not above linking to it in case somehow it didn't infiltrate your eardrums last year. Whether you were already in the know or have Emma D'Arcy to thank, we're all now intimately aware that a Negroni Sbagliato indeed has "prosecco in it." As such, as long as you've got your Campari and vermouth all you'll need is to get your hands on a bottle of bubbly. La Marca's slightly more upscale Luminore ($22.99) line will give you the dry fizz you're after without the sugar headache – and for my money, feels even better in a Viski highball glass ($37.99 for four) than the traditional Champagne flute.
Frozen Negroni
Another cocktail whose virtues are evident by its name, but one that's not nearly as popular as it should be! I first had a Frozen Negroni at LA's buzzy aperitivo bar Capri Club, and my summers haven't been the same since. The drink takes on a sweeter, slushier thanks to orange juice, and while grocery store juices can serve you just fine, consider elevating things with a premium alternative like Twisted Alchemy's 100% Fresh Cold Pressed Valencia Orange Juice ($25). Especially if you're using your favorite gins and vermouths, there's no reason to dampen the party by adding glorified sugar water.
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The Boulevardier
I've said it before and I'll say it again: The Boulevardier is the undefeated fall cocktail. In fact I declared it the perfect Thanksgiving drink in my monthly column In Good Taste. By swapping out gin for whiskey, the takes on a cozier, moodier quality, the kind of richness that makes me instantly want to curl up by the fire. If you like bourbon's oaky, vanilla notes, use one like FEW ($47.99) that loves mingling with vermouth; if you want a bit more spice, go with a rye like Rittenhouse ($27.99). Either will complement Campari, but I like to use Cappelletti ($21.99) in its place as the red bitter. It's got a cherry flavor that's totally irresistible, and only made better by garnishing with a Luxardo cocktail cherry ($19.99 for a jar).
Mela d'Alba (Apple Negroni)
That's not to suggest that the Boulevardier is the only autumnal attraction in town. Serious Eats turned me onto this apple-flavored Negroni, developed by Andrew Friedman of Seattle's Liberty Bar, which calls for Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy ($37.99) for that boozy, fruity punch. Since this recipe calls for two parts spirit to one part liqueur instead of the traditional equal-parts ratio, that's a punch that goes a long way – but when it tastes this great, we have a feeling you won't be complaining.
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The Dear Jane (Elderflower Negroni)
I'll admit that I'm pretty over the St. Germain thing, as are most bartenders after the rabid popularity it found this time last decade. I'll also admit that I've got a huge bottle of it in my liquor cabinet, and am often looking for ways to use it up creatively. This fragrant Negroni calls for just a quarter-ounce of St. Germain ($19.99), so you might not use it up quickly, but it's a wonderful showcase for why we all fell in love with it in the first place. Elderflower's distinctive fresh, floral taste plays background here instead of demanding center stage, and is a nice option for switching things up when you're bold with the same-old same-old.
Coffee Negroni
Last but not least – because who doesn't like ending with a coffee? – this caffeinated Negroni is a sophisticated answer to the Espresso Martini craze. There are a few coffee liqueurs on the market (provided you stay far, far away from Kahlua), but my heart will always belong to Mr. Black ($29.99). Roasted and distilled in Australia, its rich cold brew jolt is fantastic in everything from a Black Manhattan to tiramisu. But if you want your Negroni even more on the digestif side, this is a pretty fab way to end a meal – and to kick-start the rest of your night.
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