Mezcal Negroni

By Robert Simonson

Updated June 10, 2024

Mezcal Negroni
George Etheredge for The New York Times
Rating
4(309)
Comments
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Americans have been ordering classic cocktails with mezcal instead of the typical spirits. One of the most popular is the mezcal Negroni, in which the gin is replaced with the smoky agave spirit. The switch works well because mezcal is as assertive in its flavors as gin is, and can stand up to flavorful tough customers like sweet vermouth and Campari. A number of different mezcals work well in this mix; Del Maguey’s Vida brand is a good place to start in your experimenting.

Featured in: Whatever the Cocktail, They’re Ordering It With Mezcal

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink
  • 1ounce mezcal
  • 1ounce sweet vermouth
  • 1ounce Campari
  • Orange twist, for garnish
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

156 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 2 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass three-quarters filled with ice. Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Squeeze the orange twist over the surface, then slip it into the drink. Alternately, this drink can be served in a rocks glass over ice, also with an orange twist.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
309 user ratings
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Comments

Jeff Garneau

Try replacing the Campari with an amaro like Zucca or Capiletti Rabarbaro. It adds another layer of smoky, earthy notes that marries perfectly with mezcal while retaining the bitterness of Campari.

Joni D

This is currently our house cocktail. I recently discovered an Italian bitter called Sirene. It's just as bitter as Campari but less syrupy, and with flavors leaning towards orange, cardamon, and saffron. I use Punt E Mes, an Italian apperitivo very close to vermouth but a bit less sweet. The brand of mezcal doesn't make too much of a difference, in my opinion. The result is a very well balanced Negroni. Assertive yet restrained and refreshing.

jeffreyladd

i’ve been looking for a better Compari, less sweet and syrupy. i found it with Leopold Bros Aperitvio.

karlyn

Tried this with an amaro flora (that’s the only one I had on hand) and it’s great. Thanks for the suggestion to swap for the amaro—so grateful for these recipe notes!

Michael Harris

Replace the Campari with something a little less sweet for a twist on this classic. Might I recommend Forthave Red if you can find it in your town. Truly beautiful liquid.

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