The Negroni is not so much a cocktail, an experience. Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, equal proportions, stirred over ice, and orange garnish, it is simple but deeply complicated. What makes the drink truly great, however, is how dramatically the nature of the drink can change depending on the gin you use.
This guide explores some of the best gins for crafting a Negroni. Each option brings something unique, from crisp juniper driven classics to bold, modern expressions. The alcoholic content, or ABV, is another crucial factor, as it will directly impact the overall strength of your cocktail, ranging from 41.6% to 51.6% or even higher. A higher ABV, while not necessarily altering the taste profile, will certainly increase the potency, offering a more robust drinking experience. By the end, you’ll know exactly which style of gin suits your palate and how it transforms this timeless Italian aperitivo.
Why Gin Matters in a Negroni ?
Balance is all about a Negroni. Campari provides bitter depth and ruby color. Sweet vermouth provides richness and herbal depth. But the gin, though, is the framework. It provides the drink skeleton, freshness, and botanical nuance.
Different gins emphasize different aspects of the drink. A juniper dominated gin will dry out and make the Negroni sharp, while a citrus dominated or floral gin will soften the edges, adding elegance. New world artisanal gins with creative botanicals add even more extreme twists.
Choosing the right gin is less about finding some single fits all “best” gin and more about the personality you want your Negroni to have.
The Best Gins for a Perfect Negroni
1. Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Tanqueray is a classic London Dry and a good starting point. With bold juniper, coriander, and angelica root in its base, this gin cuts through the bitterness of Campari effortlessly. The result is a dry, unflinching Negroni that’s somehow timeless.
If you like a Negroni dry and firm and in the classic balanced form Tanqueray is essential. It retains the drink’s kick without overpowering it.
2. Beefeater London Dry Gin
Another serious estate of the London Dry type, Beefeater dates back to the 1800s. It has a juniper dominated style but with lovely citrus and herbal overtones.
In a Negroni, Beefeater strikes a harmonious balance between boldness and accessibility. It doesn’t dominate, but it doesn’t disappear either. It’s reliable, affordable, and perfect if you’re making Negronis at home for a crowd.
3. Bombay Sapphire
Bombay Sapphire has a lighter, more floral taste than the old juniper dominant gins. Its vapor infusion distillation releases delicate almond, lemon peel, and angelica notes.
This creates a less bitter Negroni, with the bitter kick of Campari gently softened. If you want the classic Negroni too bitter, Bombay Sapphire is a smoother, more fragrant substitute.
4. Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin stands alone, geographically remote and for its earthy, full-bodied character. It’s less juniper forward, warmer and softer on cardamom and orris root notes.
A Plymouth Negroni is more velvety and full bodied, with a smooth mouthfeel. For drinkers who like their beverages smooth and layered rather than cutting, this is the ideal choice.
5. Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
Monkey 47 of Germany’s Black Forest has become a legend in the art of craft gin. It has an incredible 47 botanicals ranging from lingonberries to spices and herbs.
Monkey 47 brings complexity to each sip in a Negroni. Fruit, spice, and earthy subtleties counter the bitterness of Campari. It’s a bold choice for explorers who want their Negroni to be so.
6. Hendrick’s Gin
Hendrick’s is renowned for its rose and cucumber infusion that makes it have a decidedly floral, crisp character.
In a Negroni, Hendrick’s dampens the bitterness and provides a perfumed lift. Not everyone will appreciate it purists will think it’s too wet but for those who enjoy a slightly quirky flourish, Hendrick’s plays around with a perfumed, light base.
7. Sipsmith London Dry Gin
Sipsmith was the pioneer of today’s craft gin renaissance. It is an old-fashioned London Dry base but with soft, fresh citrus and spice.
Sipsmith Negroni is refined and balanced, with a touch of newly fashioned sheen. It’s perfect if you want tradition with a shot of modernity.
8. Botanist Islay Dry Gin
The Scottish whisky distillers Bruichladdich, The Botanist employs 22 island botanicals hand foraged. It’s floral, earthy, and herbal.
A Negroni with The Botanist is more about the herbal character of the drink. Pungency is replaced with depth and complexity, so it’s perfect for those who like delicate, umami flavor.
9. Gordon’s London Dry Gin
cheap, honest, and reliable, Gordon’s is all too often overlooked. But in a Negroni, it provides you with a clean, juniper dominated snap that holds its own.
It’s an affordable option that still produces a superb, authentic Negroni. For treating guests or just for playing around without overspending, Gordon’s won’t disappoint.
10. Ransom Old Tom Gin
For something unique, try an Old Tom version. Ransom’s Old Tom Gin is barrel aged and sweeter than London Dry.
A Negroni with this gin is warmer and smoother, caramel and spice toning down the bitterness of Campari. Not traditional, but if you want a richer one, give it a go.
How to Select the Best Gin for Your Negroni
When choosing a gin, think about the type of Negroni experience you desire:
- Classic and Crisp → Tanqueray, Beefeater, Gordon’s.
- Smooth and Soft → Plymouth, Bombay Sapphire.
- Floral and Elegant → Hendrick’s, The Botanist.
- Complicated and Novel → Monkey 47, Sipsmith.
- Unusual and Rich → Novelty Ransom Old Tom.
They are all great representations of something different in the drink. Novelty is not bad, it’s just the one for your mood or moment in the day.
How to Craft the Perfect Negroni
- Use the same amount of everything: 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth.
- Work with good vermouth: A recently opened, well-stored vermouth is just as important as the gin.
- Stir, not shake: Stirring avoids dilution and clouding of the cocktail.
- Serve over ice: Large ice cube reduces dilution.
- Garnish with orange: Oils from a strip of fresh orange peel light up the drink.
Final Thoughts
The genius of Negroni is that it is infinitely variable and uncomplicated. Its character is established by the gin which you use whether acrid and traditional, silky and perfumed, or full bodied and complex.
If you’re new to the beverage, start with a reliable London Dry like Tanqueray or Beefeater. If you’re an adventurer, try something exotic like Monkey 47 or The Botanist.
Wherever life leads you, the Negroni ranks among the most elegant cocktails ever made a perfect harmony of bitterness, sweetness, and strength highlighted by the gin at the center.
So, grab your bottle, shake one up, and raise to the end times sorcery of the Negroni.
