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.

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Tasting Notes

The Chocolate Negroni is a twist on the classic cocktail that adds a bittersweet richness without overwhelming the drink’s structure. Campari’s signature bitter notes shine through but are softened slightly by the chocolate-orange syrup, which introduces a subtle warmth and a dessert-like depth. The gin provides backbone and botanical lift, while the sweet vermouth ties it all together with light herbal sweetness. Each sip brings a balance of bitter, citrus, and dark cocoa, ending with a clean finish. This is a drink for those who enjoy contrast and complexity in a stirred cocktail.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare a Chocolate Negroni, you’ll need a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a jigger, and a strainer. Stirring this cocktail rather than shaking is key to preserving its clarity and mouthfeel. Use large, clear ice cubes to chill the drink without excessive dilution. A sharp peeler is helpful for making a clean orange peel garnish. Serve in a rocks glass, which accommodates the low volume of the cocktail and allows the garnish’s aroma to complement the drink as you sip.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz dry gin
• 0.5 oz sweet vermouth
• 0.5 oz chocolate-orange syrup
• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

• Add the Campari, gin, sweet vermouth, and chocolate-orange syrup to a mixing glass filled with ice.
• Stir gently until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted.
• Strain into a rocks glass over large ice cube.
• Twist an orange peel over the drink to express the oils, then drop it in as garnish.

Pro Tips

• Use a quality chocolate-orange syrup or make your own for better control over sweetness
• Stir with large, cold ice to chill without over-diluting
• Use a citrus-forward gin to complement the orange in the syrup
• Chill the rocks glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer
• For added aroma, flame the orange peel before garnishing
• Store vermouth in the fridge after opening to preserve flavor
• Use a clear cube or sphere of ice for a refined presentation
• Adjust the syrup amount for more or less sweetness depending on preference

When to Serve

The Chocolate Negroni suits relaxed evenings, winter cocktail hours, and dinner parties where something rich yet bitter is welcome. It pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, orange tarts, or spiced nuts. Thanks to its low volume and stirred format, it also fits as a nightcap. This drink’s profile makes it a great conversation piece, offering something familiar yet slightly unexpected. Serve it when guests want something spirit-forward with a hint of sweetness and depth.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin:

• Tanqueray
• Beefeater
• Bombay Sapphire
• Plymouth Gin
• Sipsmith London Dry

Vermouth:

• Carpano Antica Formula
• Dolin Rouge
• Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

Campari:

• Campari (no substitutions recommended)

Similar Cocktails

• Blood Orange Negroni
• Strawberry Negroni
• Bridgetown Negroni
• Nirvana
• Enzoni