The History of the Negroni: From Italian Aperitivo to Global Icon

Few cocktails have earned the cult status of the Negroni. With its bold red hue and perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and botanical notes, this drink has evolved from a quiet aperitivo in Florence to a global cocktail bar staple. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or new to bitter liqueurs, the Negroni’s story is one worth sipping slowly.

Origins: Florence, 1919

The most widely accepted origin of the Negroni dates to Florence, Italy, in 1919. Count Camillo Negroni, a well-traveled nobleman known for his cowboy hat and preference for stronger drinks, is said to have asked bartender Fosco Scarselli at Caffè Casoni to stiffen his favorite Americano cocktail by replacing soda water with gin.

Thus, the Negroni was born:
Gin + Campari + Sweet Vermouth — equal parts, stirred, and garnished with an orange peel.

Fun fact: the original Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda) was itself a descendant of the 1860s Milano-Torino cocktail.

The Evolution: From Italian Staple to Global Classic

While its birthplace remained proudly Italian, the Negroni gained popularity in London, Paris, and New York through the mid-20th century as bartenders embraced its complex flavor and minimalist structure.

By the 2000s, with the rise of the craft cocktail movement, bartenders and drinkers began rediscovering classics — and the Negroni became a darling of the modern menu.

Today, the Negroni is often seen as a bartender's litmus test: it demands precision, confidence, and a respect for balance.

Signature Variations

Part of the Negroni’s charm lies in its adaptability. A few standout riffs include:

• Negroni Sbagliato – Swap gin for sparkling wine (usually Prosecco). A happy accident turned effervescent hit.
• Boulevardier – Replace gin with bourbon for a richer, spicier experience. This whiskey-based variation dates back to 1920s Paris and balances warmth with bitter complexity.
• White Negroni – A modern French twist using gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze. Lighter, herbal, and floral.

Each variation retains the Negroni’s bittersweet backbone while highlighting different spirits and moods.

Pop Culture and Negroni Week

In recent years, the Negroni has gone from cult classic to pop icon:

• Negroni Week, launched in 2013 by Imbibe Magazine and Campari, celebrates the cocktail with global events and charitable fundraising.
• Celebrities like Stanley Tucci helped fuel the trend with stylish Negroni-making videos during lockdown.
• It’s a regular fixture in bars ranging from neighborhood haunts to Michelin-starred spots.
• The cocktail has also seen a resurgence on social media, partly due to its association with Anthony Bourdain, who often declared it his favorite drink. His fans and fellow bartenders have embraced the Negroni in tribute, sharing variations and toasts in his honor.

“What’s your drink?” someone once asked Anthony Bourdain.
“Negroni. It’s not a good drink. It’s not a bad drink. It’s just perfect.”

How to Make a Classic Negroni

Ready to try it yourself? The Classic Negroni recipe is beautifully simple:

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Stir over ice, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice (or serve up), and garnish with an orange twist.

Tips and Modern Twists

• Use a high-quality gin to let the botanicals shine.
• Try aging your Negroni in a small oak barrel for a unique, mellowed depth.
• Pair with charcuterie, olives, or citrus-forward dishes to make it a perfect aperitivo experience.

Final Sip

The Negroni’s journey — from a count’s custom request to a worldwide phenomenon — is a testament to its timeless elegance. Balanced, bold, and endlessly adaptable, it’s not just a cocktail; it’s a ritual.

So the next time you raise your glass of ruby-red bittersweet bliss, toast to over 100 years of Negroni history — and many more to come.