Paul Kushner
The Rum Negroni is a bold twist on the classic Italian cocktail, swapping gin for spiced rum to bring a warmer, richer character. Campari delivers its signature bitter edge, while sweet vermouth provides balance with smooth herbal sweetness. The rum deepens the flavor, adding notes of vanilla, spice, and caramel that complement the drink’s complexity. Served over ice with an orange garnish, this version of the Negroni is slightly sweeter and rounder than the original, making it approachable yet still sophisticated. It’s an excellent choice for slow sipping and pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet accompaniments.
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Tasting Notes
The Rum Negroni offers a bold twist on the classic Italian cocktail, replacing gin with rum for a warmer, spiced profile. Dark, spiced rum brings depth with notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice. Campari provides its signature bitter citrus bite, balancing sweetness while adding complexity. Sweet vermouth rounds out the drink with herbal richness and subtle sweetness, tying the flavors together. Served over ice and garnished with orange, the cocktail is smooth, slightly bitter, and layered with spice. Each sip delivers harmony between sweetness, bitterness, and warmth, making it approachable yet intriguing for Negroni lovers and rum fans alike.
Equipment and Glassware
The Rum Negroni requires only classic cocktail tools. A mixing glass is essential for stirring the ingredients together with ice, creating a chilled and balanced drink without excessive dilution. A bar spoon ensures proper stirring technique, while a strainer provides a smooth pour into the serving glass. A jigger helps measure each ingredient precisely, maintaining the equal proportions that define this cocktail. For serving, a rocks glass is the traditional choice, filled with large ice cubes to keep the drink cold while preserving flavor. With just a few tools, the Rum Negroni is easy to craft with professional results.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. dark, spiced rum
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the rum, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the mixing glass.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds, or until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a twist of orange peel, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Use a richly spiced rum for added depth and balance.
- Stir gently but consistently to avoid over-dilution.
- Large ice cubes keep the drink colder and slow melting.
- Express oils from the orange peel over the drink before garnishing for aroma.
- Substitute aged rum for a smoother, more rounded profile.
- Adjust bitterness by slightly reducing Campari if desired.
- Pre-chill your glass to extend serving temperature.
- Experiment with different vermouths to highlight unique herbal notes.
When to Serve
The Rum Negroni is an excellent cocktail for occasions that call for something bold and distinctive. Its balance of sweetness, bitterness, and spice makes it ideal as an aperitif before dinner, helping to stimulate the palate. The richness of the rum and the bitterness of Campari also make it a strong choice for slow sipping during evening gatherings. Perfect for fall or winter months, the warming rum element adds seasonal flair, though the cocktail can be enjoyed year-round. Whether served at a dinner party or a casual night at home, this Negroni variation is striking and memorable.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Rum: Diplomatico Mantuano, Plantation Original Dark, Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- Sweet Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Martini & Rossi Rosso
- Campari: Campari (primary option)
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1 oz dark spiced rum
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the rum, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the mixing glass.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds, or until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a twist of orange peel, if desired.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality spiced rum for depth and complexity.
- For a smoother version, try aged rum instead of spiced.
- Express the oils of the orange twist over the glass before dropping it in for added aroma.
