Thanks to its wonderful simplicity and strong, spirited flavors, Negroni has become a classic cocktail, adored by millions. Loved by cocktail drinking veterans and casual bar-goers, Negroni is traditionally made with gin, Campari, and Vermouth.
The simple combination is easy to make yet it still packs a punch full of complex flavor, making it a great aperitif.
The benefit of having such a simple recipe is that anyone can play around and experiment with the mix of ingredients, as long as the ratio of Campari and gin is kept the same.
As enjoyable as it can be to experiment with different flavors, finding the right ingredients can be difficult. Not all gins are made the same and with so many to choose from, finding a suitable flavor for your Negroni can be hard.
You need to find a gin that elevates your Negroni to the next level, not only taking the flavor profile into consideration but also its body and proof.
To make life easier for you and to eliminate any guesswork, we have done the research for you. In this guide, we have listed the best gins that are perfect for making a Negroni.
We have also included a buyer’s guide detailing some of the things to consider when looking for the perfect gin.
Without wasting any more time, Let’s dive straight in!
How To Make A Negroni?
Before we get into the list of the best Negroni gins, take a look at how you make the perfect Negroni. Below you will find a great recipe. Add your choice of gin to this recipe if you want an amazing tasting Negroni.
Ingredients:
- 30ml Gin
- 30ml Sweet Vermouth
- 30ml Campari
- Orange peel
Glass:
- On the rocks
Method:
Pour the gin, Vermouth, and Campari into a mixing glass or a cocktail mixer that contains ice. Stir the mixture. Strain into a rocks glass filled with your garnish and ice.
F.E.W. Breakfast Gin
The first gin on our list is the Breakfast Gin from F.E.W. This brand may commonly be known for its premium whiskeys, (see also: Uncle Nearest Review)but it’s fair to say they know how to make a great gin.
This versatile gin gives you the opportunity to try something new in your Negroni. Though Negroni isn’t typically a brunch cocktail when made with F.E.W Earl Grey-infused gin it goes perfectly with a late morning bite to eat, whether that be a fresh fruit salad or your favorite stack of pancakes.
This beautifully aromatic and herbal gin has a touch of lemon zest and juniper that add to the flavorful taste of the Negroni. The flavor of Bergamot completes this gin. Overall when we tested this gin, we found that it opens the door to drinking your Negroni in a different way. Being the only breakfast gin on the market makes drinking a Negroni with your brunch a real possibility that isn’t possible with other gins.
Pros
- Only breakfast gin – This gin is totally unique as it is the only breakfast gin on the market.
- Soft flavors – The soft flavors in the breakfast gin are smooth, making it easier to gulp your Negroni.
- Unique ingredients – F.E.W. incorporated Earl Grey into this gin giving it a completely unique flavor.
Cons
- Hard to get hold of – Due to its popularity purchasing a bottle of F.E.W. Breakfast Gin can be tricky.
Available to buy from:
Beefeater London Dry Gin
If you’re looking to make a crowd-pleasing Negroni then look no further than the Beefeater London Dry Gin. Packed full of flavor this gin will be the hot topic of conversation the next time you have cocktails with friends.
At excellent value for money, this dry gin comes packed with juniper character. Its intriguing recipe contains nine botanicals. Those botanicals are juniper, lemon peel, Seville orange peel, angelica root and seed, orris root, coriander seed, licorice root, and almond.
When we made a Negroni using this gin the end result was a well-rounded, balanced Negroni that tasted sensational. With a recipe that dates back to 1863, this dry gin is the most award-winning gin over the last decade so you can’t go wrong.
As well as working perfectly in a strong Negroni, Beefeater London Dry Gin also goes brilliantly when sipped on its own or in a classic Gin & Tonic. We recommend this gin if you want one that offers more versatility with it tasting wonderful in your Negroni or in another cocktail.
Pros
- Versatile – This gin tastes great in a wide variety of cocktails, not just your Negroni.
- Packed with flavor – The nine botanicals give this London Dry Gin plenty of flavor.
- Well balanced – The well-balanced recipe doesn’t cause the gin to overpower your Negroni.
Cons
- Contains almond botanical – If you have a nut allergy stay away from this gin.
Available at:
Bombay Sapphire
Bombay Sapphire is one of the most popular gins in the world. First launched in 1986 by an English wine merchant Bombay Sapphire goes excellently well in a Negroni. With tasting notes of juniper, bright citrus, and hints of spice you can expect the smooth and complex flavors to enhance the taste of your cocktail.
This gin contains 10 botanicals. These include the traditional gin botanicals such as juniper berries, angelica, orris root, and citrus. Also included in the recipe are licorice, almonds, cubeb berries, coriander seeds, cassia bark, and West African Grains of Paradise.
Bombay Sapphire carefully selects each botanical to ensure only the very best ones make their way into the gin. By doing so a refreshing, bright, and clean flavor is produced. It is that clean flavor that works so well with Negroni and other cocktails. The flavors will always shine through in your Negroni without becoming overpowering.
Pros
- Not overpowering – Bombay Sapphire offers strong flavors without becoming overpowering.
- Standout flavors – More untraditional notes make Bombay Sapphire a rather unique gin.
- Affordable – You can buy this gin for a great price.
Cons
- Not as dry as other gins – Bombay Sapphire isn’t as traditionally dry as other gins.
Available at:
Roku Japanese Gin
If it’s something a little different your after then why not experiment with the Roku Japanese Gin(see also: Roku Gin Review). Crafted by House of Suntory in Osaka, Japan, the Roku Gin’s ingredients are all of the highest quality with many of them being unique to Japan.
Roku actually translates to the number six in Japanese. Number six represents the six special botanicals that are sourced specifically in Japan and put into each bottle of Roku Gin.
We loved this gin’s unparalleled subtle sweet taste and floral aromas, as well as its softness. Roku Gin leaves a complex taste on the palette, yet provides a wonderful harmonious blend of the various botanicals.
You will love the texture of the Roku Gin too. It has a silky and smooth texture that comes with notes of yuzu. As if that wasn’t enough the spicy finish as a result of the crisp Japanese sansho pepper completes the gin.
In our opinion, Roku Japanese Gin is the ideal spirit for your Negroni. The gin gives the cocktail a floral and sweet aroma, as well as an intriguing balance of sophisticated flavors. Be sure to give it a try the next time you have friends around.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind – This gin is unlike any other gin on the market.
- Ideal for a Negroni – Roku Japanese Gin is perfect for a Negroni cocktail.
- Authentic Japanese botanicals – Trying something new and unique is always enjoyable.
Cons
- Not great for gin and tonics – This gin is awesome for your Negroni, but if you want a gin that also makes a nice G&T you should look elsewhere.
Available at:
Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin
Australian Gin is growing in popularity and it’s not hard to see why when you look at the high quality of some of the gins on offer. One high-quality gin on offer from Australia is the Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin. This gin offers unique botanicals from the Yarra Valley distillery.
Alongside the standard juniper berries, this dry gin also features Australian-grown oranges, lavender, lemon myrtle, and Tasmanian pepper berry. On top of that Vietnamese star anise and Sri Lankan cassia are also included in the recipe.
The bone dry gin and unique set of ingredients allow you to make a complex and exciting Negroni. If you make your Negroni with this gin and some Australian Vermouth, you are sure to experience a rare and of course delicious, refreshing Negroni.
After you’ve made your Negroni finish the drink off with some orange zest. We found this highlights the gin’s citrusy, bright flavors.
Pros
- Refreshing taste – The citrusy flavors give the Negroni a refreshing, light taste.
- Well-balanced – This dry gin is smooth and balanced giving an enjoyable, strong flavor whilst not overpowering your taste buds.
- New and unique ingredients – Thanks to the unique Australian recipe you can really experiment with flavors when making your Negroni.
Cons
- Not ideal for those who dislike citrus/spice – Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin is big on spice and citrus flavors. If you aren’t keen on these flavors then you should try a different gin.
Available at:
Takeaway
Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a simplistic recipe that makes use of ingredients that are packed with flavor to create a strong-tasting drink that acts as the perfect aperitif.
Though finding the best ingredients to put in your Negroni can be difficult due to just how many options there are, experimenting can be entertaining and lead to you tasting new and unique flavors.
Whether you’re thinking of adding a traditional dry gin to your Negroni or a one-of-a-kind Japanese spirit, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
As you can see from our list gins vary massively, but in all honesty, you can’t really go wrong. Some gins are eye-catching, offering unusual, yet exciting flavors, whilst others offer simple yet effective flavors.
A good clean, well-balanced gin will enhance the taste and flavor profile of your Negroni without overpowering the cocktail, so be sure to take your time when trying new gins so that you can find the best one for your Negroni.
Now you have this list at your disposal it is your turn to do some research. Take a look at each gin and narrow down the options until you find the perfect gin for your Negroni.
If you have the budget and feel like experimenting why not try out a few of the delicious gins off our list, we know you won’t regret it.
Buyers Guide
To help you make a decision you won’t regret we have put together this buyer’s guide. Our buyer’s guide provides you with some of the key things you need to think about when buying the perfect gin for a Negroni. Take the following points on board if you want help to make the best decision.
Gin Type
There are three main types of gin. These are London Dry gin, Plymouth gin, and Old Tom gin. Though it is very much down to personal preference when it comes to which gin you choose they each have different characteristics that are worth considering.
London Dry gin is arguably the most suitable for a Negroni. If the gin is a London Dry you can expect a very high-quality gin. These types of gin tend to be light-bodied, super dry, juniper-forward, and extremely aromatic. No artificial flavorings are added after the distillation process.
Plymouth gin is characterized by its citrus style. Only one distiller has the right to produce this type of gin. That is Plymouth, Coates & Co.
Old Tom gin is the third most famous type of gin. This type of gin usually includes the addition of licorice or syrup, giving the spirit a subtle sweetness. Another type of gin that is starting to grow in popularity is New Western Day.
This gin contains less dominant flavors, instead focusing on botanical flavors. Understanding these key types of gin will help you understand what you can expect from the gin you buy.
Other Uses
While we have looked specifically at using gin to make a Negroni, this isn’t the only use for gin. Gin can also be enjoyed on its own, in a traditional Gin & Tonic, and in a range of other exciting, refreshing cocktails.
Bear this in mind when buying your gin. If you only want to use gin to make a Negroni, then simply buy a gin that is specifically designed to make a Negroni taste amazing.
If you want a gin with more versatility that can be used to make a wide range of cocktails then look for a gin that is known to taste great on its own or in other cocktails.
This will ensure you find the gin perfect for your needs because believe it or not some gins might taste great in a Negroni, but awful in a G&T.
Bottle Size
As you’re probably already aware gin comes in a variety of different bottles each varying in size. The most common-sized bottle is 70cl. If you had a drink Friday, Saturday, and Sunday an average bottle would last you 4 weeks.
It is worth considering the size of the bottle so that you don’t end up with two little or too much gin.
If you’re a big gin lover and drinker then a 70cl bottle is fine, but if you don’t drink much gin or aren’t sure what you enjoy you may want to buy smaller bottles. In fact, miniature 5cl bottles could be the answer.
When experimenting with gin you may or may not like, buying a 5cl bottle is a good way to see what you think before then buying a bigger bottle.
There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a big bottle that you end up not drinking because you don’t like it. Purchasing miniatures first eliminates this potential problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gin Is The Smoothest?
Bombay Sapphire gin is typically considered to be the smoothest gin on the market. It has a very smooth flavor profile as a result of the 10 hand-selected botanicals from around the world.
Using Bombay Sapphire provides a Negroni with aromatic flavors and a crisp finish.
As a result of its unique flavors and smooth finish, Bombay Sapphire is one of the most popular gins in the world with it being the go-to gin for most gin lovers.
What Does Negroni Taste Like?
A Negroni cocktail (see also: Negroni Cocktail [Recipe & Guide])is a bitter-tasting drink that can have a variety of flavors. Vermouth and gin, as well as an orange garnish, add a fruity sweetness and lightness to the cocktail.
It is the addition of fruity notes that balances out the bitterness to create a well-rounded cocktail. Negroni also has a rooty, herby taste that often has the taste of licorice root.
On top of that, you can also expect to experience notes of lemon, coriander seed, juniper, and dark fruit flavors in your drink.
What Makes Negroni So Popular?
Negroni is a popular choice of drink to many because it embodies sprezzatura. Sprezzatura is an Italian mood of urban elegance and sophistication. It is considered to be a classy drink indulged by mature adults.
The other main reason Negroni is so popular is thanks to its taste. Many people enjoy the bitter taste and strong color of Negroni, which can often take time to become accustomed to.