Grapefruit Negroni
This grapefruit Negroni keeps the classic bitter-sweet shape of the Italian cocktail, then brightens it with a splash of fresh pink grapefruit juice. It is simple to stir, easy to batch, and made for slow sipping.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mItalianDrinks
A Negroni is a classic Italian aperitif, which means a drink often served before a meal. The usual formula is equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, stirred with ice until cold.
This version adds fresh grapefruit juice for a sharper citrus edge. Grapefruit works well with Campari because both have a natural bitter note, while the sweet vermouth rounds everything out.
Use fresh juice if you can. A small amount makes a real difference, and straining it keeps the drink smooth and clean in the glass.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
6 items · 1 cocktail
- 1 ounce London dry gin
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce fresh pink or red grapefruit juice, strained
- Ice, for stirring
- 1 wide strip grapefruit peel, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Place a rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice water while you make the drink. A cold glass helps the cocktail stay crisp.
2. Juice the grapefruit
Squeeze a small piece of fresh grapefruit until you have 1/2 ounce juice. Pour it through a small strainer to remove pulp and seeds.
3. Fill the mixing glass
Fill a mixing glass or sturdy pint glass about two-thirds full with ice. Use plenty of ice so the drink chills quickly without getting watery.
4. Add the liquids
Pour in the gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and strained grapefruit juice. Measure carefully; equal parts are what give a Negroni its balance.
5. Stir until cold
Stir for 20 to 30 seconds with a bar spoon or long spoon. Stirring chills and slightly dilutes the drink, which softens the alcohol and blends the flavors.
6. Strain into the glass
Empty the ice water from the chilled rocks glass if you used it. Add one large ice cube, then strain the cocktail over the ice.
7. Garnish and serve
Twist the grapefruit peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass. Serve right away while the cocktail is very cold.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: For a small batch, combine equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a bottle and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Add the fresh grapefruit juice and stir with ice just before serving.
- Storage: A fully mixed grapefruit Negroni is best served right away. Citrus juice loses its fresh flavor after sitting, and the ice will dilute the drink if stored in the glass.
- Grapefruit swap: Ruby red or pink grapefruit gives a gentle sweetness. White grapefruit tastes sharper and more bitter, so you may want to use a little less juice.
- Gin swap: London dry gin keeps the drink crisp. A floral gin will make it softer and more perfumed, while a navy-strength gin will taste stronger.
- Vermouth note: Keep opened sweet vermouth in the refrigerator. It is a fortified wine, not a shelf-stable spirit, and tastes best within about 1 month of opening.
- Less bitter option: Use 3/4 ounce Campari and 1 1/4 ounces sweet vermouth if you want a rounder, sweeter drink.
Cook's note
Nutrition is an estimate for one cocktail made with 1 ounce 80-proof gin, 1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 1/2 ounce fresh grapefruit juice. Values can vary by brand, especially for liqueurs and vermouth.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I shake a grapefruit Negroni instead of stirring it?
You can, but stirring is closer to the classic Negroni style. Shaking makes the drink colder and a little frothier because of the juice. If you prefer that lighter texture, shake for about 10 seconds and strain over fresh ice.
What kind of grapefruit works best?
Pink or red grapefruit is the easiest choice because it is bright, lightly sweet, and not too sharp. White grapefruit also works, but it can make the cocktail more bitter.
Can I make this without Campari?
You can use another red bitter aperitif, but the flavor will change. Some are sweeter, lighter, or less bitter than Campari, so taste and adjust the grapefruit juice or vermouth if needed.
Do I need a mixing glass?
No. A pint glass, measuring cup, or small pitcher works. You just need something large enough to hold the drink and ice while you stir.
Can I turn this into a low-alcohol drink?
Yes. Use 1 ounce sweet vermouth, 1/2 ounce Campari, 1/2 ounce gin, and 1 ounce grapefruit juice, then top with a splash of soda water. It will not taste exactly like a Negroni, but it keeps the bitter-citrus idea.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium6 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate15 g
- 5%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars14 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium4 mg
- 0%
- Iron0.1 mg
- 1%
- Potassium51 mg
- 1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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