A mezcal Negroni is an easy variation on the classic recipe. Mezcal adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with Campari and sweet vermouth.
There's nothing I love more than putting a twist on classic cocktail recipes. A mezcal Negroni does just that by swapping the gin for mezcal!
The smokiness of mezcal replaces the floral quality of the gin in a Negroni, and offers the perfect balance to the bitter Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth. This drink is a perfect blend of smoky, bitter, and sweet.
This easy 3-ingredient cocktail has deceptively complex flavor. It's perfect for sipping at happy hour or any festive occasion, and I'll show you how to make it!
Be sure to check out my classic Negroni recipe, and if you're looking for another fun mezcal cocktail twist, try a mezcal margarita! Or take a look at all of my Negroni variations for more ideas.
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Mezcal Negroni ingredients
You'll only need three ingredients in equal parts to make a mezcal Negroni, it's such an easy recipe. Then just garnish it with an orange slice or an orange twist.
Mezcal
Don't be afraid of mezcal! It's just a type of tequila that's made by roasting the agave to give it a smoky flavor. There are SO many mezcals with a wide variety of flavor profiles. Del Maguey is a brand that is widely available in many liquor stores. But mezcal tends to be made by smaller producers, so ask your local purveyors about their favorites and try different ones to see what you like!
Sweet Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine that can be consumed on its own, or used in a variety of well-known cocktail recipes like the Manhattan Cocktail. It comes in two varieties, Sweet (Red) and Dry (White.) Sweet vermouth is the bridge between the smoky mezcal and the bitter Campari in this Negroni recipe variation. My favorite brands are Dolin and Noilly Prat.
Campari
There is no substitute for this bitter, brightly colored Italian aperitif! So, what is it? It's a liqueur that's infused with a secret recipe of herbs and botanicals that give it a distinctive bitter flavor. You'll find it used in lots of your favorite classic drinks including Campari and Soda, and the Milano Torino Cocktail.
How to make a mezcal negroni
Step 1: Mix and chill
Pour the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well-chilled.
Step 2: Strain, garnish and serve!
Strain over ice into rocks glasses. Garnish with a slice of orange and serve.
Expert tips
- Stir, don't shake a mezcal Negroni because the recipe doesn't have juice in it. The rule is, you only shake cocktails with juice in them, if not, stir to chill!
- I like an orange slice for a mezcal Negroni garnish: You get both the sweetness and bitterness of the orange. But you can also make an orange twist using a wide strip of orange peel, or those pretty dehydrated orange slices.
- How to serve a mezcal Negroni: If you're feeling fancy, you can serve a mezcal Negroni "up" in a coupe or martini glass, instead of on the rocks.
When to serve a mezcal Negroni
I love a mezcal Negroni any time, but if you're wondering how to serve them, here are a few suggestions.
- Great for sipping at happy hour, or before a meal.
- Drink one instead of a margarita with Mexican food and on Cinco de Mayo!
- The smokiness of the mezcal makes it a cozy choice during the fall and winter.
- It's a great batch cocktail to make for parties or to take as host gifts. Remember all the ingredients are measured 1:1:1, so increase the amount according to the number of people you are serving. One cup = 8 ounces, so using one cup of each liquor will yield 8 cocktails.
More Negroni variations
Negronis of all types are so easy to make because the recipe is just equal parts of all three liquors.
- A Blood Orange Negroni offers a fun twist by adding blood orange juice.
- Boulevardier: This variation swaps the gin for bourbon, perfect for sipping fireside.
- Try a Rosita Cocktail which uses reposado tequila instead of gin, and adds a bit of white vermouth instead of sweet.
- The Negroni Sbagliato gets fun and fizzy with some prosecco in place of the gin.
A mezcal Negroni will change up your same old cocktail order!
- Swapping the gin for mezcal opens up a whole new world of flavors!
- Still a classic apértif cocktail, with bittersweet flavors that get your tastebuds going.
- Pairs well with everything from a skillet steak dinner to a vegetarian eggplant lasagna
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Recipe
Mezcal Negroni Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz mezcal
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- orange slice to garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, pour the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth over ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain over ice into rocks glasses. Garnish with a slice of orange and serve.
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