The Negroni is a classic cocktail that consists of gin, sweet vermouth (or Rosso vermouth), and Campari.
It tastes herbal and bitter yet sweet – one of the perfect classic gin cocktails regardless of the season.
But the taste of Negroni cocktails depends on the gin you use. So what is the best gin for a Negroni cocktail among the many options? Keep reading to find out.
Top 15 Best Gin For A Negroni
15. Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin
Average Price: approx. $44/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47.6% ABV
Why We Like It: This gin has a juniper-forward and Turkish rose flavor, making it an ideal choice for a White Negroni.
It has a combination of sweet and floral flavors with a soft texture and refreshing vibe, which you can also drink on its own.
However, this drink can be intimidating if you plan on trying a Negroni for the first time. To make this citrusy, put an orange garnish or squeeze a Kaffir lime.
14. Nikka Coffey Gin
Average Price: approx. $49/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: To try something different, try Nikka Coffey, a Japanese gin, which is also an excellent addition to a Negroni or any classic cocktail.
We like the citrus twist and the notes of orange, lemon peel, and Japanese herbs, like yuzu peel. This gin’s fresh flavors, combined with Campari and juniper, create a flavorful drink.
For a more sophisticated Negroni, light on the sweet vermouth and let the Campari and gin components shine.
But what’s the best sweet vermouth for a Negroni cocktail?
13. Broker’s Gin
Average Price: approx. $23/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This gin packs traditional gin botanicals like juniper, orange peels, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
We like how clean and crisp the drink is – ideal for a classic Negroni and other gin-based cocktail recipes, like Tom Collins.
Enhance the citrus notes of your drink by adding a slice of lemon zest for an ultimate drinking experience.
12. F.E.W. Breakfast Gin
Average Price: approx. $38/750ml
Alcohol Content: 42% ABV
Why We Like It: Although F.E.W. is known for its whiskeys, it also produces its own gin, such as the Breakfast Gin. If we like a bit of quirkiness, this is our go-to gin.
Aside from Negronis, this is a wonderful addition to a Ramos Gin Fizz or Corpse Reviver #2. Additionally, this small-batch gin has a lovely herbal and aromatic flavor.
11. Four Pillars Rare Dry
Average Price: approx. $31/750ml
Alcohol Content: 41.8% ABV
Why We Like It: A Negroni should ooze with orange zest and baking spices to highlight its vibrant and tangy flavors.
And this Australian gin is the perfect base for its unique ingredients and bone-dry approach, making an incredibly complex drink.
If you want to make it even more special, try adding some of Australia’s crazy vermouth in your rocks glass filled with ice. You can try the Pillars Spiced Negroni gin as an alternative.
10. Sipsmith (VJOP) London Dry Gin
Average Price: approx. $50/750ml
Alcohol Content: 57.7% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want a very juniper-forward drink, Sipsmith VJOP is what you’re looking for. The traditional juniper berries flavor is present, and it dominates the overall flavor profile.
But that makes this expression the best for a classic Negroni. It gives a powerful twist, and it’s not overly sweet. Besides, this should be on the list if you’re craving complexity.
9. Monkey 47
Average Price: approx. $80/1L
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: We like Monkey 47 for its smooth and spicy flavor with notes of lemon and bergamot. This is a complex drink, and we definitely enjoy its cinnamon and vanilla notes.
The complexity of this drink is due to the various herbs and spices used in its blend, which makes it hard to identify just one flavor from it.
This is a must-have for anyone who enjoys Negroni, especially with a luxurious sweet Vermouth.
8. Salcombe Rosé Sainte Marie
Average Price: approx. $42/750ml
Alcohol Content: 41.4% ABV
Why We Like It: This gin is made with a combination of natural ingredients, such as fruit and wheat. If you don’t like the bold juniper flavor, we recommend this one for its light character.
It tastes great with Campari and sweet vermouth [1] in a Negroni. We also like the hints of citrus and other herbs like coriander seed, making it a great alternative to Campari.
If you like a more sophisticated take on the Negroni, try a combination of this drink with a Rosé Vermouth and a floral spirit like Cappelletti Amaro or the Gentian.
7. Ford’s Gin
Average Price: approx. $27/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Ford’s gin is ideal for Negroni cocktails for its good balance of juniper and citrus flavors. Besides, we like its good body and smooth texture.
Made with juniper, and citrus fruits like oranges, lemon, and grapefruit, Ford’s gin adds brightness to the drink. It tastes perfect with vermouth and Campari, so it’s a must-try.
6. Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin
Average Price: approx. $60/750ml
Alcohol Content: 44% ABV
Why We Like It: This German gin is full-bodied and has a delicate stone fruit and herbaceous note complementing Campari’s bitterness.
Each small batch is made with its own unique blend of herbs and spices, making for a unique Negroni.
We recommend this for anyone who enjoys adding a little bit of mystery to their drinks.
5. Barr Hill Gin
Average Price: approx. $40/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Made with raw honey, Bar Hill gin has a beautiful and sweet presence. We like how it brings a touch of warmth and body to Negronis.
“4:45 p.m. GMT I acquiesce and make a Negroni. It is said that Negronis are like breasts: “One is not enough, two is perfect, and three is just too many.” Today I am tempted to see what happens if I drink four.”
– Stanley Tucci, American Actor and Filmmaker
The combo of honey and juniper notes makes it a pleasure to work with. The addition of sweet offset adds a bit of flavor to Negronis.
Actually, we prefer this gin over Bombay Sapphire.
4. Plymouth Navy Strength
Average Price: approx. $44/750ml
Alcohol Content: 57% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want a boozy Negroni, use this Plymouth gin as the base. We suggest adding Vermouth Rosso (or sweet vermouth) and Campari with equal parts gin for the best taste.
This higher-proof gin is refreshing and complex, with a robust taste made with various herbs and spices, such as lemon peels, orris root, green cardamom, and coriander seed.
If you’ve tried Perry’s Tot Navy Strength, this Plymouth Navy Strength is better.
3. Oxley Gin
Average Price: approx. $37/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: We have three words to describe this gin: innovative, vibrant, and smooth.
While some gins are made with nine botanicals or less, Oxley comprises 14 botanicals, including grapefruit peel, warm citrus, rich green pine, angelica root, coriander seeds, and more.
This neutral spirit has clean, zesty notes with a subtle juniper – refreshingly flavorful and sippable. Additionally, this goes well with soda water and Sencha tea or green tea.
2. Beefeater London Dry Gin
Average Price: approx. $33/1L
Alcohol Content: 44% ABV
Why We Like It: This London dry gin combines juniper berries and other botanical extracts, giving it a beautiful pine flavor with floral notes, like cherry blossom.
Other notable notes in this drink include almond, orris root, and angelica root. Adding lemon and orange peel adds a citrus punch to the Negroni [2], perfect for any occasion.
Fun Fact: It’s widely believed that the Negroni originated from the Cafe Casoni in Florence, Italy. According to historical accounts, the drink was catalyzed by Count Camillo Negroni.
1. Tanqueray No. 10
Average Price: approx. $38/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47.3% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want to recreate the traditional Negroni, opt for a dry gin. We highly recommend Tanqueray No. 10 for most classic cocktails, actually.
It has a classic flavor profile, with notes of citrus peel and juniper character, creating a surprise delight. We like this better compared to the Roku gin.
You can enjoy a complex yet simple Negroni using this London dry expression.
Note: Other must-try gins that didn’t make it to cut include:
- Old Tom Gin
- Roku Japanese Gin
- Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin (with Gunpowder tea)
**Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary by store.
FAQs Related to Best Gin for a Negroni
What kind of gin is best for Negroni?
The kind of gin best for Negroni is dry gin. A juniper-forward gin is light-bodied and highly aromatic.
Can you use any gin for a Negroni?
You can use any gin for a Negroni, but the result may vary, depending on the gin you use. If you want the classic Negroni, then use dry gins.
What gin does Stanley Tucci use for Negroni?
Stanley Tucci commonly uses Tanqueray No. 10 for Negroni.
What Is the Best Gin for Making Negronis?
The best gin for a Negroni is typically a London Dry Gin, known for its strong juniper flavor and balanced botanical profile.
What Makes a Gin Ideal for Negronis?
Gins with bold juniper flavors and balanced botanicals complement the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth in a Negroni.
Should I Choose a Budget or Premium Gin for Negronis?
It depends on personal preference. Some prefer premium gins for their complexity and depth of flavor, while others find that budget-friendly options work well in Negronis.
Can I Use Flavored Gins in a Negroni?
While traditional Negronis use London Dry Gin, you can experiment with flavored gins to add unique twists to your cocktails. However, be mindful of how the flavors interact with Campari and vermouth.
Are There Gins Specifically Marketed for Negronis?
Yes, some distilleries produce gins specifically designed for Negronis, often labeled as “Negroni Gins” or “Negroni-Specific Gins.” These gins are crafted to complement the classic Negroni ingredients.
Should I Chill the Gin Before Making a Negroni?
It’s a matter of preference. Some prefer to stir Negronis with room temperature gin to control dilution, while others prefer to chill the gin to ensure a colder cocktail.
Final Verdict of Best Gin For A Negroni
Gin, Campari, Vermouth, a shaker filled with ice, a mixing glass, and rocks garnish are all you need to create a simple Negroni.
We make it special using our favorite gin [4], Tanqueray No. 10, for a flavorful and refreshing experience. But, usually experiment with other brands to have some twist.
All the bottles in this list are equally good and satisfying. Whichever bottle you choose, one thing is certain – a delicious Negroni on the table.
References:
- https://www.organicfacts.net/vermouth.html
- https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/a3205/things-you-didnt-know-about-the-negroni/
- https://www.vogue.com/article/stanley-tucci-martini-tanqueray-recipe
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/gin-liquor
