Paul Kushner
Gin is a versatile and popular spirit that is commonly used in a wide variety of cocktails. One of the most famous gin-based cocktails is the Negroni, a simple yet sophisticated drink that has gained a loyal following among cocktail enthusiasts. The key to making a great Negroni lies in choosing the right gin, as it plays a crucial role in determining the overall flavor and character of the cocktail.
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When it comes to selecting the best gin for a Negroni, there are several factors to consider. The ideal gin should have a balanced and complex flavor profile, with a strong juniper presence and a smooth finish. Additionally, the gin should complement the other ingredients in the cocktail, such as the sweet vermouth and the bitter Campari, to create a harmonious and well-rounded drink. With so many options available on the market, finding the perfect gin for a Negroni can be a fun and rewarding experience for cocktail enthusiasts. Check out our recommendations below and give them a try!
Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin
The Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin is perfect for an exciting Negroni. Four Pillars created this gin specifically for the Negroni with spices like grains of paradise and Indonesian Cubeb to cut through the bitterness of the vermouth for a balanced cocktail. I recommend this one if you’re new to this cocktail and aren’t sure what notes you’re aiming for.
Beefeater London Dry Gin
Beefeater London Dry Gin is a sparkling clean gin with a striking pine flavor from the juniper berries. Other botanicals in this gin include almond, angelica root, angelica seed, coriander seed, licorice root, and orris root. The addition of orange and lemon peel adds a bright citrus kick, perfectly highlighting the sweetness of your Negroni.
Revivalist Solstice Expression Gin
Revivalist Solstice Expression Gin features warm flavors such as anise and ginger. This is an excellent gin for holiday party Negronis, with deep flavors of dried cherry and zesty orange. This gin is aged in red-wine barrels, which give it extra depth and lushness.
Plymouth Navy Strength
For a strong gin, in all senses of the word, check out the Plymouth Navy Strength Gin. The warmth of botanicals like coriander seed, angelica root, green cardamom, orris root, orange, and lemon peels surrounds the frozen forest taste of the intense juniper berries. I always go for this one when craving a Negroni on the extra bitter side.
Tanqueray No. 10
If you’re looking for something a little more citrusy, or want a good gin for a summer Negroni, check out Tanqueray No. 10. This small batch gin is distilled with fresh, whole fruit, for a burst of tart sweetness that balances well with the Campari and vermouth, for a refreshing, but not sugary, warm night cocktail.
Monkey 47
Monkey 47 is a unique and special gin. Every year their Distiller’s Cut is a little different depending on the hand-picked botanicals they choose. For instance, the 2021 gin was smooth and spicy with notes of bergamot and lemon, while the 2022 version featured a complex warm flavor profile with vanilla and cinnamon.
Sipsmith V.J.O.P.
If you’re the type of gin drinker, who thinks the stronger the juniper, the better, then the Slipsmith V.J.O.P. is right up your alley. This higher proof (57.7% ABV) gin is super juniper-forward. Deep spice and dark chocolate notes smooth it out a bit. It is perfect for a late fall evening Negroni.
Fords Gin
Fords Gin works beautifully with cocktails. In fact, it’s created specifically for cocktails from nine globally sourced botanicals. Ingredients such as juniper berries, coriander seed, lemon and orange peel, jasmine, angelica root, and orris root provide traditional gin flavors while also including something a little different. Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit.
Roku Japanese Gin
Roku Japanese Gin is unique in that, along with the traditional botanicals, it also includes sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, Sencha tea, Gyokuro tea, and Sansho pepper for a distinctly Japanese gin flavor and experience. I love the delicacy and nuance of the cherry blossom, and green tea flavors add to a Negroni. This is definitely one you want to make to celebrate spring!
Bombay Sapphire
Known for its beautiful bright blue bottle, Bombay Sapphire is a clean and refreshing gin made from various ingredients, including licorice, cassia bark, orris, grains of paradise, coriander seeds, Cubeb berries, and almonds. This gin makes a stunning classic Negroni and is the perfect choice while making this cocktail for those who’ve not had it before.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin is a slow-distilled, Irish-made gin. The botanicals this gin includes that make it perfect for a citrusy warming Negroni include meadowsweet, cardamom, juniper berries, caraway seed, star anise, gunpowder tea, lemon, grapefruit, and Kaffir lime. This is my favorite choice for a cocktail with strong but balanced bitter and citrus flavors.
Barr Hill Gin
Bar Hill Gin is a juniper-forward gin from Vermont. What makes this one special is the addition of raw honey, which adds a floral sweetness that balances the juniper and adds a natural depth to the flavor of the gin. I love this for porch sipping on warmer nights.
Hendrick's
Hendrick’s gin features traditional gin botanicals but includes chamomile, elderflower, and caraway for an unexpected herbal sweetness. After distilling, they add an infusion of fresh cucumber and rose, which cranks up the gin's delicate nuance, making for a light, refreshing and floral Negroni perfect for a Friday night start to your weekend.
