The Negroni is a classic cocktail that has inspired many creative variations over the years. While the original blends gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth for a bold and balanced drink, bartenders and home mixologists have found new ways to put their own twist on it. Changing just one ingredient can completely transform the flavor, from smoky and rich to light and bubbly. Whether you prefer the deep warmth of whiskey, the bright notes of white vermouth, or the sparkle of champagne, there is a Negroni style to match your taste. Here are some favorites worth trying for any occasion.
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Chocolate Negroni
The Chocolate Negroni puts a rich twist on the classic Italian aperitif by adding a touch of chocolate-orange syrup to the familiar trio of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. The result is a bold, bittersweet cocktail with a subtle cocoa finish and aromatic citrus top note.
It’s smooth, balanced, and ideal for sipping slowly, whether you’re winding down after dinner or kicking off a stylish evening. This variation maintains the Negroni’s iconic flavor structure while adding a dessert-worthy dimension.
Bridgetown Negroni
The Bridgetown Negroni is a sunny, tropical twist on the classic Negroni. Instead of gin, it uses coconut rum, giving the drink a softer, island-inspired flavor. This simple change keeps the equal-parts balance of the original but adds a hint of creamy sweetness that blends beautifully with the bold bitterness of Campari and the herbal notes of sweet vermouth.
The result is a smooth yet flavorful cocktail that feels both familiar and fresh. Perfect for warm days, beach gatherings, or whenever you want to bring a taste of the islands to your glass, the Bridgetown Negroni is a refreshing modern variation.
Blood Orange Negroni
The Blood Orange Negroni is a bright and flavorful twist on the traditional Negroni. This variation uses fresh blood orange juice, which adds a burst of citrus flavor and a touch of natural sweetness. The juice softens the sharp edges of the Campari while still keeping the drink’s signature bitterness and depth from the sweet vermouth and gin.
Its bold, ruby-red color makes it visually stunning, while the balance of sweet, bitter, and citrusy notes creates a refreshing and layered taste. Perfect for winter and early spring when blood oranges are in season, this cocktail is an eye-catching choice for any occasion.
Strawberry Negroni
The Strawberry Negroni offers a fresh, fruit-forward take on the classic Negroni by introducing strawberry-infused gin. This twist keeps the familiar equal-parts balance of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, but the infusion brings a gentle sweetness and a fragrant berry aroma.
The strawberry notes mellow the bitterness of the Campari, creating a smoother, more approachable profile without losing the drink’s bold character. Its beautiful rosy hue makes it as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Ideal for spring and summer, the Strawberry Negroni is perfect for those who enjoy the classic but want a softer, more aromatic variation that still feels timeless.
Cherry Negroni
The Cherry Negroni is a flavorful twist on the classic cocktail, blending the bold bitterness and botanical notes of a traditional Negroni with the rich sweetness of cherry liqueur. It begins with the familiar base of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, creating a balanced and complex foundation.
The cherry liqueur brings a smooth, fruity depth that softens the drink’s edges while adding a hint of natural sweetness. Garnished with a cherry and a twist of orange peel, it is both visually appealing and full of character. Perfect for slow, thoughtful sipping or as a satisfying nightcap, it delivers flavor and balance in every glass.
Watermelon Negroni
The Watermelon Negroni is a summer-ready twist on the classic. It keeps the familiar bitter-sweet balance of a traditional Negroni but adds a splash of fresh watermelon juice for a juicy, slightly lighter finish.
Gin gives it structure, Campari brings the bitter edge, and sweet vermouth ties it together with a rich, herbal note. The watermelon juice softens the profile just enough to make it feel a little more relaxed. It’s bright, bold, and great for sipping on warm days.
Frozen Negroni
The Frozen Negroni takes the classic bitter cocktail and gives it a chill, modern update. With gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth blended over ice, it’s bold and boozy but smooth and slushy at the same time.
The frozen texture softens the bite, making it easier to sip on a warm day without losing the punch that makes a Negroni what it is. If you like strong drinks with attitude, this frozen twist is worth a try.
Aperol Negroni Sour
Aperol Negroni Sour is a smooth, citrusy twist on a classic, with a lighter and slightly floral edge. Gin brings the usual backbone, but Aperol swaps in for Campari to keep the bitterness softer and more approachable.
Elderflower liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and floral note that balances the sharpness of lemon juice. The egg white gives it a creamy texture and a frothy top, making each sip feel soft but structured. It’s a modern take that still feels grounded great for Negroni fans who want something a little brighter and more relaxed. Serve shaken and chilled with no fuss.
Grapefruit Negroni
The Grapefruit Negroni is a bold, citrus-forward spin on the classic. With gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and pink grapefruit juice, it keeps the signature bitter edge of a traditional Negroni but softens it with a juicy, tart twist.
The grapefruit adds brightness and a bit of sharpness that plays well with the herbal and bitter notes, making it feel a little lighter without losing its punch. It’s a solid choice for fans of strong, stirred cocktails who want something with a fresh, modern edge. The Grapefruit Negroni is sharp, balanced, and made for slow sipping.
Green Negroni
The Green Negroni is a fresh, herbal twist on the classic Negroni. Instead of the traditional Campari, this version often uses green herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse or a light amaro, paired with gin and dry vermouth.
The result is a slightly less bitter, more botanical drink with layered flavors earthy, citrusy, and just a little sweet. It’s bold but balanced, with a smooth finish that makes it great for slow sipping. The green hue gives it a modern edge, making it a good choice when you want something familiar but with a creative spin.
Irish Negroni
The Irish Negroni is a rich and inviting twist on the classic Negroni, replacing the usual gin with smooth Irish whiskey. This simple change adds a warm, rounded depth that pairs beautifully with the bold bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth.
The result is a cocktail with layers of flavor, offering hints of malt, spice, and gentle sweetness alongside its classic bitter edge. Its balanced profile makes it just as enjoyable for slow sipping on a quiet evening as it is for sharing with friends. Whether you are new to cocktails or a seasoned fan, the Irish Negroni is always a satisfying choice.
Winter’s Bitter Negroni
The Winter’s Bitter Negroni is a seasonal variation of the classic Negroni, perfect for adding warmth and flavor to the colder months. This version swaps the traditional gin for smooth tequila blanco, which brings a bright, earthy note to the mix. Combined with sweet vermouth and Campari, it delivers the familiar balance of sweetness and bitterness that Negroni fans love.
A splash of cranberry juice adds a tart, fruity touch that feels right at home during the holidays. Finished with a fresh orange twist, this cocktail offers both visual appeal and a burst of citrus aroma, making it ideal for cozy winter evenings.
Blue Negroni
The Blue Negroni is a modern and eye-catching take on the traditional Negroni, offering a vibrant twist both in color and flavor. Made with Empress Gin, its striking blue hue instantly sets it apart, while Italicus Liqueur adds delicate floral and citrus notes. Cocchi Americano brings a touch of herbal complexity that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
A few dashes of grapefruit bitters enhance the drink’s brightness, while a fresh grapefruit twist provides a fragrant, zesty finish. Balanced, flavorful, and visually stunning, the Blue Negroni is perfect for those who appreciate a classic cocktail with a unique and contemporary touch.
Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a lively and refreshing twist on the classic Negroni, offering a playful change that replaces gin with sparkling wine. This swap gives the drink a lighter, more approachable feel while still keeping its bold personality.
The crisp bubbles pair perfectly with the bittersweet taste of Campari and the smooth, rich sweetness of sweet vermouth, creating a balanced and satisfying sip. Its bright and uplifting character makes it a great choice for warm afternoons or festive gatherings. Whether served at brunch, on a sunny patio, or as an aperitif, the Negroni Sbagliato delivers charm, flavor, and a touch of sparkle.
Mezcal Negroni
The Mezcal Negroni is a bold and captivating twist on the classic cocktail, replacing gin with smoky, earthy mezcal for a flavor that stands out. The mezcal’s signature smokiness blends beautifully with the bittersweet punch of Campari and the smooth richness of sweet vermouth, creating a layered and intriguing drink.
Each sip offers a balance of bitterness, warmth, and smoke, making it a memorable choice for adventurous palates. This version is perfect for slow sipping, allowing the flavors to unfold, and is often enjoyed by those who appreciate mezcal’s unique character while wanting to bring a deeper, more complex edge to their Negroni.
White Negroni
The White Negroni is a refined and elegant variation of the classic cocktail, offering a lighter and more delicate profile. Instead of the bold red color of Campari, it uses the herbal complexity of Suze, which brings a gentle bitterness, paired with the soft floral and citrus notes of Lillet Blanc.
This combination creates a balanced, refreshing drink that still carries the spirit of a traditional Negroni but with a more nuanced character. Perfect for those who enjoy sophisticated flavors, the White Negroni is best savored in a stylish bar or as a pre-dinner drink when you want something crisp and graceful.
Rum Negroni
The Rum Negroni offers a tropical twist on the classic, swapping gin for the smooth, rich character of rum. This change adds a warm, slightly sweet depth that blends beautifully with the bold bitterness of Campari and the mellow sweetness of vermouth.
The result is a balanced cocktail with both strength and charm, perfect for anyone who enjoys island-inspired flavors. Whether you are relaxing at a beachside bar, hosting a summer gathering, or simply craving a taste of the tropics, the Rum Negroni delivers a refreshing yet robust sip that feels familiar but brings something new to the classic Negroni profile.
The Old Pal
The Old Pal is a Prohibition-era cocktail that has stood the test of time, offering a refined and flavorful twist on the classic Negroni. Instead of gin, it uses bold, spicy rye whiskey, which pairs beautifully with the dry, crisp notes of dry vermouth.
Campari adds its signature bitterness, creating a drink that is both complex and balanced. Traditionally served over ice with a lemon twist, the Old Pal has a light yet spirited profile that makes it easy to sip. Whether enjoyed in a quiet lounge or at home, it’s a drink that carries the charm and elegance of vintage cocktails.
Americano
The Americano is a timeless Italian aperitivo that actually came before the Negroni. Known for its striking red color, this refreshing cocktail combines the bittersweet punch of Campari with the smooth, slightly herbal sweetness of sweet vermouth.
Topped with a splash of soda water, it becomes light, crisp, and easy to sip. Traditionally enjoyed in sunny outdoor cafés, the Americano is perfect for a relaxed afternoon or as a gentle way to start the evening. With a lower alcohol content than many cocktails, it’s ideal for those who want a flavorful yet easygoing drink that pairs beautifully with casual conversation.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a refined variation of the classic Negroni, swapping gin for the bold, smooth character of bourbon or rye whiskey. This change creates a richer, warmer profile while still keeping the drink’s signature balance.
The bittersweet edge of Campari blends seamlessly with the deep, oaky notes of the whiskey, while sweet vermouth adds a silky, slightly herbal layer. The result is a cocktail that is both robust and inviting, perfect for slow sipping. Whether enjoyed in an upscale lounge or at a relaxed evening gathering, the Boulevardier appeals to whiskey lovers and anyone who enjoys a balanced, flavorful drink.