The Negroni is perfect; it’s simple and balanced and utterly compelling. It’s so perfect, in fact, that there’s no use attempting to convince an impassioned Negroni diehard that another drink could possibly improve upon the classic’s formula—so we won’t. All we will say is that there are many similar drinks out there—some variations on the Negroni, others that evolved convergent traits—that are worth a taste. Here, the best drinks every Negroni proponent should try.
Entertaining
7 Negroni-esque Cocktails
The Negroni’s three-part construction makes variations easy: Simply swap out one of the key components for something somewhat similar. In the case of the Boulevardier, dulcet bourbon stands in for floral gin, giving the Italian classic a distinctly American disposition—despite its Parisian roots and notable (occasionally obnoxious) French pronunciation.
The Essentials
Rye
Campari
Sweet Vermouth
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Like a Negroni-lite, the Americano offers the bracingly bitter taste of Campari in a long, graceful package. Lighter than a Negroni, the Americano swaps out gin for soda, which buoys the bitter liqueur. The spritzy cocktail is best enjoyed while summering on the Italian coast.
The Essentials
Campari
Sweet Vermouth
Club Soda
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Alchemizing the classic Campari cocktail into Jello form requires upping the sweetness to create a pleasingly palatable edible shot, but this jiggly reincarnation will still wow loyal adherents of the original.
The Essentials
gin
Campari
unflavored gelatin
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While drinks like the Boulevardier and the Old Pal (made with spicy rye in place of gin) reconstruct the Negroni by exchanging its base spirit, the Jasmine shows how much difference secondary ingredients can make to a drink’s character. Sweet vermouth cedes its position in favor of Cointreau, which brings bright orangey sweetness to the cocktail.
The Essentials
Gin
fresh lemon juice
Campari
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The Negroni isn’t the only cocktail to rein in the sometimes overpowering Campari. The Jungle Bird also finds a harmonious supporting role for the ingredient, using equally lively ingredients to match Campari’s vibrant taste. Deep, sweet blackstrap rum and bright acidic pineapple juice recast the Negroni in a steamy tiki adaptation. It’s a must try for any Negroni-lover considering a vacation from the usual.
The Essentials
Blackstrap Rum
Pineapple Juice
Campari
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Who would have thought the buttoned up Negroni would make an appropriate base for an ice cream float? The bitter cocktail actually brings buoyant zip to the soda fountain classic. Vanilla soda and vanilla ice cream provide a reliable, sweet backdrop for botanical gin and Campari. If there was any doubt remaining that a drink containing bitter liqueur could still qualify as dessert, a garnish of rainbow sprinkles hammers the point home.
The Essentials
Campari
Gin
vanilla ice cream
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Aperol is Campari’s easy-going cousin. To truly appreciate its bitter orange, gentian and rhubarb flavors, inject the airy spirit into this carbonated cocktail, which is spritzed not only with soda but also Prosecco, for a doubly bubbly glass of liquid effervescence.
The Essentials
Aperol
Prosecco
Soda
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