Blood Orange Negroni

This Blood Orange Negroni is a citrus-forward twist on the classic Negroni, this version incorporates fresh blood orange juice for a slightly sweeter and more vibrant profile. Its bold color and balanced bitterness make it a striking choice for Negroni lovers looking for a seasonal variation.

---

Tasting Notes

The Blood Orange Negroni offers a bolder, juicier profile than the traditional version. The bitterness of Campari still leads the charge, but it’s softened slightly by the natural sweetness and citrus tang of fresh blood orange juice. Gin adds botanical complexity, while sweet vermouth rounds out the drink with a subtle richness. The result is a bittersweet cocktail with a vibrant citrus layer that enhances its depth. The blood orange provides a juicy freshness and a slight tart edge, creating a balanced and refreshing variation that maintains the Negroni’s iconic flavor profile.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare a Blood Orange Negroni, you’ll need a mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, strainer, and a rocks glass. The mixing glass allows for even dilution and temperature control while stirring. A bar spoon is ideal for smoothly incorporating the ingredients without over-diluting the cocktail. A jigger ensures each component is measured with accuracy. Use a Hawthorne or julep strainer to pour the drink cleanly over ice. The rocks glass supports the spirit-forward nature of this cocktail and provides space for a large ice cube and garnish, giving the drink a clean, classic look.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz blood orange juice
• Garnish: blood orange slice

Instructions

• In a mixing glass, combine gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and blood orange juice over ice.
• Stir until the mixture is well chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the best flavor and color.
• Stir longer with larger ice cubes for proper dilution without overwatering.
• Chill your rocks glass beforehand to keep the drink colder.
• A large-format ice cube slows melting and looks clean in the glass.
• Experiment with different gins citrus-forward or herbal varieties work well.
• Blood orange juice can vary in tartness adjust slightly if needed.
• Try a flamed orange peel for a hint of burnt citrus aroma (optional).
• Avoid over-stirring; 20–30 seconds is ideal for chilling and dilution.

When to Serve

The Blood Orange Negroni is perfect for aperitivo hour, dinner parties, or cocktail nights where something bold and citrusy is desired. Its rich color and distinct flavor also make it a standout during late winter when blood oranges are in season. It transitions well from warm evenings to cooler ones, making it a flexible year-round choice. Whether you’re serving it as a pre-dinner drink or as a citrus-forward alternative to the classic Negroni, it’s well suited for guests who appreciate a bitter-leaning cocktail with a fresh twist.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin
  • Tanqueray – classic London Dry with juniper-forward notes
  • Bombay Sapphire – lighter, citrusy, with soft herbal tones
  • Monkey 47 – complex and aromatic, ideal for bold variations
• Sweet Vermouth
  • Carpano Antica Formula – rich and vanilla-forward
  • Cocchi Vermouth di Torino – balanced spice and sweetness
  • Dolin Rouge – lighter and floral for a more delicate finish
• Campari – this ingredient is non-negotiable for the Negroni’s signature character

Similar Cocktails

• Strawberry Negroni
• Million Dollar Cocktail
• Watermelon Negroni
• Frozen Negroni
• Enzoni