This blood orange Negroni is a festive twist on the Italian classic, with a refreshing citrus tang bringing beautiful balance to the bitter-sweetness and herbal notes of the Negroni. The seasonal blood orange also lends a gorgeous, vibrant colour to this cocktail.
The classic Negroni cocktail is believed to have been created by Pascal Olivier Count de Negroni in Florence, Italy, 1919. It is made with three equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and an orange slice or zest, resulting in a cocktail that is citrusy and bitter-sweet, with loads of depth. These days it can be found in bars around the world and has become a true classic cocktail.
In this version, blood orange juice replaces the traditional orange. The result has a delicious flavour and a beautiful, deep red hue. Because of the seasonality of the blood orange, this cocktail is a lovely and festive way to enjoy the winter season. You could serve it at a holiday party or sip on it during a romantic Valentine's Day celebration.
Interested in another twist on a classic cocktail? Try my delicious apple whisky sour for a version that is dressed up with fresh apple cider.
Ingredients
- Gin - Use your favourite gin of choice.
- Campari - A bitter liqueur that adds depth, Campari is a necessity in a negroni. Don't substitute with Aperol, which is lighter and sweeter.
- Sweet vermouth - I like using Cocchi di Torino, a beautiful Italian vermouth.
- Freshly squeezed blood orange juice - This beautiful citrus is sweeter than a regular orange, tart like a grapefruit, and has flavour notes of red berry. Typically in season from December through April. The inner flesh is a deep red colour. The redder the flesh, the better to use in this recipe.
- Ice cubes - For stirring.
- Large ice cube - For serving.
- Optional garnish: Singed fresh rosemary or thyme.
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Add all of the cocktail ingredients into a cocktail mixing glass with ice.
Stir until it has become well chilled, then strain into a double rocks glass.
Serve with a large ice cube and optionally garnish with some fresh thyme, or a sprig of singed rosemary. Either of these will add a pleasant aromatic to your drink.
Equipment
To make this recipe you will need the following:
- Cocktail mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Double rocks glass
When to serve
Enjoy the blood orange Negroni during the blood orange season, from December through April. The Negroni is an aperitif, meant to enjoy before a meal to stimulate your appetite.
FAQ
Yes, the blood orange Negroni is also known as a 'Bloody Negroni.'
📖 Recipe
Blood Orange Negroni
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A refreshing take on the classic Italian cocktail, the blood orange negroni is bursting with freshly squeezed juice.
Ingredients
1 oz (30ml) gin
1 oz (30ml) campari
1 oz (30ml) sweet vermouth
1 oz (30ml) freshly squeezed blood orange juice
1 sprig singed fresh rosemary or thyme (optional garnish)
Instructions
Add all of the cocktail ingredients into a cocktail mixing glass with ice.
Stir until it has become well chilled, then strain into a double rocks glass.
Serve with a large ice cube and optionally garnish with some fresh thyme, or a sprig of singed rosemary. Either of these will add a pleasant aromatic to your drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12.7 g
- Sodium: 3.2 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: blood orange negroni
Florence says
Great drink. Definitely will be making this often.
Asha says
Thank you! 🙂
Gina says
Loved this drink. Think it's my new favourite.
Asha says
Thank you ❤️
Abby says
Absolutely delicious.
Asha says
Thanks!
Virginia says
Adding this to my regulars. The perfect blend of bitter-sweetness.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂 I love this cocktail as well.
Cora says
So, so good.
Asha says
Thanks!
Sophie says
I am in love with this drink. Blood oranges are one of my favorite fruits.
Asha says
Thank you! I find it more refreshing than a regular negroni.
Lily says
I love anything with campari and the blood orange is so fresh. Made this for a girl's night and it was a hit!
Asha says
Amazing, thank you!
Bernice says
Blood oranges are so unique and are fun to play with. This cocktail shows off their beautiful colour and citrus flavour. Cheers!
Asha says
Thank you, yes the colour is so fun to incorporate 🙂
Marie-Pierre Breton says
Oh mama mia! I could have one right now! I've just discovered the normal 'negroni' this summer and was amazed! This one goes in the list for cocktails this Xmas!
Asha says
Thanks! The classic negroni is one of my favourite cocktails to drink. We love breaking out this festive version every time we find some nice blood oranges.
Vanessa says
Such a perfect cocktail for a Halloween party! Saving!
Asha says
Thank you 🙂
Fouzia says
I love blood oranges and your drink looks great. But I wish it was non-alcoholic.