Many might argue that a Negroni is the ultimate year-round cocktail, but in my assessment it is definitely an autumn and winter brew.
The rich, warming flavour profile combining the herbal, spiced notes from the vermouth, with the gin enhancing the structure and warmth, while the Campari provides the bitter orange and additional bitter herb elements, it is definitely a cold-weather sipper.
The one-third Campari component is set in stone. My earlier missive on gins highlighted a few options that would work well to create this cocktail, but the other element often overlooked is the choice of vermouth.
There are two masterful options that add a very serious element: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino and Antica Formula Vermouth.
1 - Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
Inspired by a recipe crafted in 1891 by pastry chef Giulio Cocchi in Asti, Piedmont, this vermouth remains true to the classic Vermouth di Torino tradition. Its lively freshness and elegant structure come from a blend of wine, wormwood, citrus, rhubarb, and a medley of spices, creating a tapestry of aromas and refined complexity. When mixed into a Negroni, Cocchi brings a velvety richness that mellows Campari’s bite, while its vibrant spice and herbal notes dance alongside a bold, juniper-forward gin. Widely stocked by retailers and merchants, you can find it easily, including at Waitrose.
£18.50 - 50cl - Waitrose - merchant link
2 - Antica Formula Vermouth
Antonio Benedetto Carpano, who first crafted modern sweet red vermouth in Turin in 1786, created a drink that stands out for its deep Italian richness and layers of captivating aromas. Inspired by Carpano’s original recipe, this vermouth bursts with notes of vanilla, dried fruit, citrus peel, warming spices, herbs and a gentle touch of bitterness. Its texture is luxuriously thick and velvety, reminiscent of a fine liqueur. You can easily find it at many retailers.
£14.25 - 37.5cl - Waitrose - merchant link
Compared with Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Antica Formula is generally richer, sweeter-seeming, more vanilla-driven and opulent, whereas Cocchi tends towards cocoa, bitter citrus and a firmer herbal character. For a powerful, luxurious winter Negroni, Antica Formula is an outstanding choice.
3 - Ready Mixed Option: Fergroni
There are many ready mixed options for a Negroni, but only one that should be seriously considered. Created by by chef Fergus Henderson of London’s St. John restaurant, a bottle can sit in the fridge door and be available instantaneously. It’s a 50% Gin, 30% Vermouth, and 20% Campari formula, coming in at 33% ABV. Personally, I think an additional shot of Sipsmith’s V.J.O.P. Gin lifts the drink to another level.
£45.00 - 70cl - St John web site link
4 - Broadening the options
There are two books that can be acquired to explore other derivatives of this exceptional cocktail.
Negroni by Matt Hranek - £12.75 - Amazon
Negroni by David Smith & Keli Rivers - £7.99 - Amazon
Both books contain around 30 recipes that enable you to explore the options over many months, share with friends, and extend into your own permutations. Hranek’s book has more background and history, with some fine photography, but both cover the subject very well.
