Negroni

Negroni recipe

aibar
#Negroni

Classic Negroni Recipe

Here’s the traditional recipe for a Negroni:

  • Gin: 30ml
  • Campari: 30ml
  • Sweet vermouth: 30ml
  • Ice: As needed
  • Garnish: Orange twist or slice

1. Base Spirit Substitutions

Gin

  • Substitutes:
    • Vodka: Makes it smoother and less botanical (sometimes called a “Negroni Bianco”).
    • White rum: Adds a slightly sweeter, tropical vibe (unconventional but fun!).
  • Non-alcoholic version:
    • Seedlip Grove 42 (non-alcoholic spirit): A great gin alternative with citrus notes.
    • Soda water + citrus zest: Mix soda water with a twist of orange or lemon for a refreshing base.
  • Flavor impact: Vodka keeps it clean and neutral, while rum adds sweetness. Non-alcoholic options will lack the complexity of gin but can still be refreshing.
  • How to use: Replace gin with an equal amount (30ml) of your chosen substitute.

2. Campari Substitutions

Campari (Bitter Liqueur)

  • Substitutes:
    • Aperol: Less bitter and slightly sweeter, with a more orange-forward flavor.
    • DIY bitter syrup: Steep orange peel, gentian root (if you have it), and a pinch of cinnamon in simple syrup. Strain and use as a bitter substitute.
    • Grapefruit juice + sugar: Mix 30ml grapefruit juice with 5ml sugar syrup for a tangy, slightly bitter alternative.
  • Non-alcoholic version:
    • Grapefruit juice + tonic water: Use 30ml grapefruit juice and a splash of tonic water for bitterness.
  • Flavor impact: Aperol is lighter and sweeter, while DIY bitter syrup or grapefruit juice will have a more pronounced citrus note.
  • How to use: Replace Campari with an equal amount (30ml) of your chosen substitute.

3. Sweet Vermouth Substitutions

Sweet Vermouth

  • Substitutes:
    • Red wine + sugar: Mix 30ml red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) with 5ml sugar syrup.
    • Port wine: Adds a richer, sweeter flavor.
    • DIY herbal syrup: Steep herbs (like thyme or rosemary) in simple syrup for a unique twist.
  • Non-alcoholic version:
    • Grape juice + herbs: Mix 30ml grape juice with a pinch of dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary).
  • Flavor impact: Red wine is lighter and less complex, while port wine is richer and sweeter. Non-alcoholic options will be simpler but still tasty.
  • How to use: Replace sweet vermouth with an equal amount (30ml) of your chosen substitute.

4. Garnish Substitutions

Orange Twist or Slice

  • Substitutes:
    • Lemon twist: Adds a fresh citrus note.
    • Grapefruit slice: For a tangy, slightly bitter twist.
    • Cinnamon stick: Adds a warm, spicy aroma (great for winter!).
  • Non-alcoholic version: Use the same garnishes—they’re alcohol-free!
  • Flavor impact: Citrus garnishes add brightness, while cinnamon brings warmth and spice.
  • How to use: Simply swap the garnish with your preferred option.

5. Non-Alcoholic Negroni Recipe

If you’re skipping the alcohol, here’s how to make a delicious non-alcoholic version:

  • Base substitute: Seedlip Grove 42 or soda water with citrus zest (30ml).
  • Campari substitute: Grapefruit juice + tonic water (30ml).
  • Sweet vermouth substitute: Grape juice + herbs (30ml).
  • Garnish: Orange twist, grapefruit slice, or cinnamon stick.

Steps:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add your base substitute (e.g., Seedlip or soda water), Campari substitute (e.g., grapefruit juice + tonic water), and sweet vermouth substitute (e.g., grape juice + herbs).
  3. Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to chill.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist, grapefruit slice, or cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Flavor Tips

  • For a lighter Negroni: Use Aperol instead of Campari and white wine instead of sweet vermouth.
  • For a richer Negroni: Use port wine as the sweet vermouth substitute.
  • For extra herbal notes: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the mixing glass.
  • For a spicy kick: Use a cinnamon stick as a garnish or add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the mix.

Summary

With these substitutions, you can easily make a Negroni at home, even if you’re missing some ingredients! Here’s the key:

  • Base spirit: Swap gin for vodka, rum, or a non-alcoholic alternative like Seedlip.
  • Campari: Use Aperol, DIY bitter syrup, or grapefruit juice.
  • Sweet vermouth: Use red wine, port wine, or grape juice.
  • Garnish: Orange twist, grapefruit slice, or cinnamon stick—whatever you’ve got on hand!

Whether you’re going classic or non-alcoholic, these swaps will help you whip up a delicious Negroni with what you’ve got at home. Cheers! 🥂