Ingenious Negroni cocktails that captivate with fanciful, flavorful flare

While the annual Negroni Week celebrates that best-selling cocktail, negroni cocktails are sipped more frequently than just those seven days. Luckily, mixologists are transforming those classic combinations into a flight of fancy. Without losing the essence of that herbaceous sip, these libations have people embracing the creativity behind the bar.

In a 2022 report, Drinks International named the Negroni the world’s best selling cocktail. Although some people might have their signature sipper, this flavorful libation ranks high due to its versatility. Whether drunk on its own, prior to a meal, or even after the last course, the flavors electrify the palate in an invigorating way.

While many people have enjoyed a classic Negroni over the years, the tried and true recipe can be a great starting point for this conversation. Here’s how to make that cocktail.

Classic Negroni

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter
• 1 oz Martini & Rossi Rosso

Directions

• Add the gin, Martini & Rossi Rosso, and Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter into a mixing glass with ice and stir for 15 to 20 seconds until well-chilled
• Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
• Gently squeeze an orange twist or slice over the glass, then add it as a garnish. Serve and enjoy.

While that methodology is straightforward, some mixologists add one or two layers to change the overall enjoyment. For example, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa is the spot where gin lovers bask in the botanicals. While the resort offers 150 bottles to sample, one cocktail blends a stunning presentation with those classic Negroni elements.

At the hotel’s Sear + Sea Lobby Bar, the Negroni is presented under a cloche. As the glass is lifted and the cloud disperses, a fanciful garden appears with the stunning cocktail sitting in the middle. For anyone who loves a showy presentation with an expert pour, this cocktail is a must order.

While the Orlando destination makes a production with its Negroni cocktails, Tiger and Peacock, the rooftop bar at The Memphian, takes inspiration from the stars for its cocktail. Under the Signs of the Zodiac offerings, the Blood Orange Mezcal Negroni has a sweet, bitter note that will have people seeing good fortune in their future.

Continuing the mezcal for gin swap, Lounge at Pearl at The Wall Street Hotel offers its take. Created by Amy Racine, Beverage Director of JF Restaurants and Lounge at Pearl at The Wall Street Hotel, the use of red vermouth adds an unexpected depth of flavor. The smoky notes contrasting with the bitter and the sweet makes for an inviting cocktail conversation that lingers throughout the evening.

While bitter orange might be the common component of Negroni cocktails, Madame George is pouring Northbound Track. From Marshall Minaya, Beverage Director at Madame George, the grapefruit bitters add another zesty note to this cocktail. In a way, this option is light, refreshing, and easy to drink.

Although the herbal notes are common in Negroni cocktails, Pico de Gallo Negroni at elNico has a savory note from sundried tomatoes. From the talented Leo Robitschek, Sydell Partner and Beverage Director at elNico, this option feels like a taste of the end of summer harvest.

Another savory forward Negroni cocktail is the Pepperoni Negroni at The Bar at The Spectator Hotel. The pepperoni washed gin is a new take on that fat washing spirits trend. It might not necessarily be like that pizza topping, but it is a cocktail that must be tried.

Even though people cannot stop sipping that espresso martini, the Caffe Negroni at Principe could change their order. Created by Alan Wither, Beverage Manager at Principe, the plantain is a lovely touch to bring out a tropical note.

Continuing the tropical conversation, the Tropical Negroni from Simon Sebbah, Beverage Director of Grand Tour Hospitality and served at Saint Theo’s, might not come with that warm, sandy breeze but it does feel like a sip of escapism in a glass.

Although fruit can be a common cocktail ingredient, cucumbers often add a bright note to the glass. Clemente, created by Valentino Longo for Flor de Sal at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has an effervescent note from the soda water and a hint of refreshment from the cucumber flavor.

Infusing flavor into a spirit can be a lovely way to make a more robust flavor experience. With the Camomile Negroni from Emanuele Balestra, Bars Director at Bar du Fouquet’s at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, the Roman-camomile-infused Campari is a new experience that will have many drinkers looking to bloom this flavor experience back at home.

Lastly, the Negroni Sbagliato continues to have a moment. It might be that extra effervescence or just appreciating another twist on the classic Negroni cocktails, this option seems as if it will never go out of style.

Here’s how to make Campari Negroni Sbagliato Red-Carpet Edition

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Campari
• .5 oz. 1757 Vermouth di Torino G.I. Rosso
• .5 oz. 1757 Vermouth di Torino G.I. Extra Dry
• 2.5 oz. Champagne Lallier
• Gold Shimmer

Method:

• Stir the Campari and two vermouths over ice and strain into a champagne flute. Top with 2.5 oz. ice-cold champagne and serve in a champagne flute glass.

It is time to sip, savor, and celebrate Negroni cocktails. It might be the world’s most popular cocktail, but it is always a flavorful choice for any occasion.