Negroni Cocktail 2-Ways

Two versions of the Classic Negroni Cocktail; one made with gin, the other bourbon. Both strong, delicious and perfect for a cocktail party.

Happy Negroni Week! To celebrate, I’m sharing not one, but two Negroni Cocktails. They look super similar but one is made with gin and the other bourbon. Both, delicious and perfect for a cocktail party this weekend.

But first, a bit of cocktailing history. The Negroni was originally said to have been created as a twist on the Americano in the 1920’s.  Count Camillo Negroni, a hardy cowboy asked for a stronger version and replaced the soda water with gin. But, some say, that story is crap and that the cocktail was just created to calm the stomach after a meal. Either way, it’s pretty damn good.

This cocktail is usually stirred not shaken. (Sorry James Bond.) Which means that you will use a tall pint glass and a bar spoon to swirl the cocktail around in some ice to chill it. Then pour it into a chilled glass with more ice. I usually prefer to use a cocktail shaker as it is dramatic and fun but this cocktail is more laid back then that and simply needs to be stirred.

Classic Negroni Cocktail  (Version 1)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Start to Finish: 5 minutes

Ice
1 oz gin ( I used Hendrick’s gin)
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange wedge or peel

Place ice into a mixing glass. Add gin, Campari and sweet vermouth; stir with a bar spoon to chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange wedge. Drink up!

Makes: 1 Cocktail

Bourbon Negroni Cocktail (Version 2)

This version is my personal favorite! Replace the gin in the Classic Negroni with 1 oz of bourbon and add a dash or two of bitters. Make cocktail as directed above.

More Negroni Cocktail Love:
The Complete Guide to Negronis from First We Feast
Properly Sauced: Three Negroni Riffs For Negroni Week from Chicagoist
5 Negroni Recipes for #NegroniWeek from Epicurious

Cheers!

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