Mezcal Negroni Cocktail

Combine mezcal with sweet vermouth and Campari for a Mezcal Negroni—a complex cocktail that manages to be smoky, sweet, and bitter in every sip.

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Want to get a cocktail named after you? Get a bartender to make something unique. That’s what Count Camillo Negroni did in the early 20th century. (I suppose it also helps if you are a count or some other VIP.) The count had indulged so regularly in his favorite drink—the Americano—that it no longer had the desired effect. So the enterprising bartender added gin. This pleased Negroni, which pleased the bartender, who named his latest concoction after the man who inspired/ordered him to make it.

The Mezcal Negroni is exactly what you would imagine it to be: a Negroni made with mezcal instead of gin. This iteration comes to us from bartender Phil Ward who thought to mix things up in 2011 (at least, according to the blog post he wrote to mark the occasion).

This Mexi version is sometimes bitter, sometimes herbal, sometimes sweet, sometimes smoky. It’s all down to its blend of mezcal, Campari, and vermouth. One thing it’s definitely not is boring. I would never have thought to mix these three together, but Negroni’s bartender and our man Phil had a suspicion I’m so glad they pursued. As you sip this cocktail on a bright day, the sun’s rays piercing through the translucent red of the drink, you will too.

What is the best Mezcal to Use?

There’s more to mezcal than just its smoky flavor. There are different brands and variations you can use that introduce a complexity that will complement the Campari and vermouth in your Mezcal Negroni.

Del Maguey Vida: Probably a good place to start due to its balance of smoky, sweet, and herbal. It’s also one of the more affordable mezcals, so you won’t break the bank only to learn mezcal ain’t your thing.
Montelobos: Made the old-school way, with wood-fired ovens and copper pot stills. The result is a very smoky mezcal that might not be to everyone’s liking. Still, if you like that flavor profile, then this is the one for you.
Illegal Mezcal: Like tequila, mezcal can be defined by its age, either joven (young) or reposado (rested). Its joven variety, like the Del Maguey Vida, is well balanced and suitable as an entry point into the world of mezcal.

What’s the Story Behind Campari?

Campari is a brand of liqueur and is as Italian as the Vatican, pizza, and talking with your hands. It’s also the backbone to the Campari Bitter, the Americano, and yes, the Negroni. It was created by Gaspare Campari in 1860, who was intent on concocting a unique blend of spices and bitters for the customers at his bar. It was a hit, and soon, the liqueur started showing up in these other cocktails. It bears a deep red color, which attracts the attentions of curious bar patrons, who, after ordering a glass, are mesmerized by the bittersweet herbal taste.

INGREDIENTS

1 oz. mezcal
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
An orange wheel or twist (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Combine mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass.

Stir

Add ice to the glass and stir until well chilled.

Strain

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Garnish

Garnish with an orange wheel or twist.

ENJOY!

Mezcal Negroni Cocktail featured image below

FAQs

Which glass and garnish should I use?

Use a rocks or Old-Fashioned glass for this one. As for garnish, an orange wheel or twist is recommended. For the twist, partially tear it over your drink to release its essence then, for a more intense orange flavor, rub the twist around the rim of the glass. Up to you whether you add the twist to the actual drink.

How do I store a Mezcal Negroni?

Store any untouched mezcal negroni mix in an airtight container (like a mason jar or a cocktail mixer with a secure lid) and keep in the fridge for up to a day. The longer it sits, the more its quality will diminish. When you reach for it, give it a really good shake, pour over fresh ice, and serve with a fresh garnish.

How many calories are in this mezcal negroni?

There are 164 calories, due to the fact that this is all booze.

Is Campari the same as Aperol?

No, though there are similarities, which suggests the two liqueurs are more like cousins. They are both bitters but Campari is deeper in color and stronger in alcohol content. Aperol is more orange than red and less heady an alcohol, making it a good bitter to sample if you’re not sure it will appeal to you.

Can I shake a mezcal negroni?

Nope. Usually drinks with spirits only (i.e., no non-alcoholic ingredients) are stirred to ensure a clear, unclouded cocktail.

How long do I need to stir for?

Thirty seconds, which may seem like a long time but it really adds to the quality of the drink. Failure to do so may result in a less-than-chilled and less uniform cocktail.

Negroni Cocktail Variations

Tequila (or Oaxaca) Negroni: 1 oz. each of mezcal, sweet vermouth, Campari, and reposado tequila.
Boulevardier Mezcal Negroni: 1 oz. each of mezcal, sweet vermouth, Campari, and bourbon.
Smoky Paloma Negroni: 1 oz. each of mezcal, Aperol, and grapefruit juice. 1/2 oz. each of agave syrup and lime juice. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.