YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MAKING NEGRONIS AT HOME

There are some cocktails that never go out of style and the Negroni is undoubtedly one of them. Bold, bittersweet and beautifully simple, the classic Negroni has been winning over drinkers for more than 100 years. Made with just three ingredients gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. The Negroni proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something seriously delicious.

But while we have a lot of love for the original, we also believe there is plenty of room to experiment. Citrus, chilli, extra spice… a great gin can take the humble Negroni in all sorts of interesting directions. Before we get into our four favourite recipes, let’s take a quick look at where this iconic cocktail came from.

A Little Negroni History

The Negroni is believed to have been created in Florence, Italy, in 1919.
The story goes that Count Camillo Negroni walked into Caffè Casoni and asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to make his favourite cocktail, the Americano, a little stronger. Rather than using soda water, Scarselli swapped it for gin.

And just like that, the Negroni was born.

Whether every detail of the story is completely accurate or not, there is no denying the staying power of this cocktail. More than a century later, the Negroni is enjoyed all over the world and has inspired countless variations.

Classic Negroni

Sometimes, there is no need to mess with a good thing.
The classic Negroni is simple, bold and beautifully balanced. A good London Dry Gin provides the perfect foundation, allowing the bitter and sweet flavours of Campari and vermouth to do what they do best.

Classic Negroni Recipe

Build in your glass, with one large ice cube.
30 ml HM London Dry Gin
30mml Campari
30ml Sweet vermouth
Garnish: Orange peel

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish.

Citrus Negroni

If you love a Negroni but want something a little brighter and fresher, this one’s for you. Citrus and gin are a match made in cocktail heaven, and introducing a citrus-forward gin brings a completely new energy to the traditional Negroni. The result is still recognisably a Negroni — bittersweet, bold and complex — but with bright citrus notes running through every sip.

Citrus Negroni Recipe

30 ml HM Orange Squeeze Gin
30mml Campari
30ml Sweet vermouth
Garnish: Fresh orange slice

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish.

Fiery Negroni

For those who like a little heat in their glass, a Chilli Negroni takes things in a completely different direction.
The bitterness of Campari, the sweetness of vermouth and the botanical notes of gin create a fantastic base for spice. The chilli adds warmth and a slow-building kick that lingers beautifully after each sip.

Fiery Negroni Recipe

Build in your glass, with one large ice cube.
20 ml HM Six-Eyed Scorpion Chilli Gin
10ml HM London Dry Gin
30mml Campari
30ml Sweet vermouth
Garnish: Orange peel and slice of fresh chilli
Optional: 1 small pinch of salt to round out the heat

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish.

Spiced Negroni

Spice and the Negroni are a seriously underrated combination.

A Spicy Negroni adds warmth, depth and complexity to the classic recipe. Depending on the ingredients, you can take the cocktail in all sorts of directions — think warming spices, aromatic botanicals and flavours that linger long after the first sip.

It is a great reminder that the Negroni doesn’t need to be stuck in one lane.

Spiced Negroni Recipe

Build in your glass, with one large ice cube.
30 ml HM Seven Spice Chai Gin
30mml Campari
30ml Sweet vermouth
Garnish: Whole star anise

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish.

Why Are Negronis So Delicious

The magic of a Negroni is all about balance.

You’ve got the botanical complexity of gin, the bittersweet punch of Campari and the rich, herbaceous sweetness of vermouth. Each ingredient brings something completely different, but together they create a cocktail that is bold, balanced and incredibly moreish.

It’s also one of those drinks that evolves as you drink it. The ice slowly dilutes the cocktail, softening some of those bitter edges and allowing different flavours to come through.

And perhaps best of all, the Negroni is incredibly versatile.

The right gin can completely change the experience. A classic London Dry Gin brings structure and juniper. A citrus-forward gin can brighten the whole drink, while chilli or spice can add an entirely new dimension.

Which brings us to our four favourite ways to make a Negroni.

There Is a Negroni for Everyone

That is the beauty of this classic cocktail. You can keep things traditional with a London Dry Gin or take your Negroni in a completely different direction with citrus, chilli or warming spice. The basic structure of the drink gives you plenty of room to experiment and discover what you enjoy most.

Our advice? Start with the classic, then work your way through the rest. You might just find a new favourite.

Cheers to Negroni Week

Whether you’re a Negroni traditionalist or someone who is always keen to try something new, we hope these recipes inspire you to get mixing. And remember: a great Negroni starts with a great gin.