Pink Negroni
This pink negroni keeps the clean, bitter shape of the classic cocktail, but softens it with Lillet Rosé and a bright grapefruit twist. It is stirred over ice, served chilled, and ready in about five minutes.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mItalian-inspiredDrinks
A classic negroni is made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. This pink version keeps that simple formula but swaps in Lillet Rosé, a lightly sweet wine-based aperitif, for a softer color and a gentler finish.
The drink is still bitter, citrusy, and strong, so it is meant for slow sipping. Stirring it with ice chills the cocktail and adds a little water, which helps the flavors settle into balance.
Serve it before dinner with salty snacks, olives, or a simple cheese plate. A grapefruit twist is small, but it makes the glass smell fresh before the first sip.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
6 items · 1 cocktail
- 1 ounce dry gin
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce Lillet Rosé
- 1 dash grapefruit bitters, optional
- Ice, for stirring
- 1 strip grapefruit peel, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Set 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. Fill the mixing glass
Add plenty of ice to a cocktail mixing glass or a sturdy pint glass. More ice chills the drink quickly and helps control dilution, which means the cocktail will not taste watery.
3. Measure the spirits
Pour in the gin, Campari, and Lillet Rosé. Add the grapefruit bitters if using. Measure carefully, since this drink depends on equal parts for balance.
4. Stir until cold
Stir for 20 to 30 seconds with a bar spoon or long spoon. Stirring chills the drink without adding bubbles or cloudiness, which keeps the texture smooth.
5. Prepare the garnish
Cut a thin strip of grapefruit peel. Try to get mostly the colored skin and not much white pith, which can taste harsh.
6. Strain and serve
Empty the ice water from the chilled glass if needed. Strain the cocktail into the glass over one large ice cube or fresh ice. Twist the grapefruit peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can mix the gin, Campari, and Lillet Rosé up to 24 hours ahead and keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator. Do not add ice until serving, or the drink will become diluted.
- Batch it for guests: For 6 cocktails, combine 6 ounces gin, 6 ounces Campari, and 6 ounces Lillet Rosé. Chill well, then stir each serving with ice or stir the whole batch with ice just before pouring.
- Storage: Opened Lillet Rosé should be refrigerated. For the freshest flavor, use it within 4 to 6 weeks.
- Swap the aperitif: If you do not have Lillet Rosé, use rosé vermouth or Lillet Blanc. Rosé vermouth may make the drink a little more winey, while Lillet Blanc will make it lighter in color.
- Adjust the bitterness: Campari gives the drink its classic bitter edge. For a softer cocktail, use a gentler red bitter aperitivo. For a sharper drink, add the optional grapefruit bitters.
- Serve over good ice: One large cube melts more slowly than many small cubes. If you only have regular ice, use plenty of fresh cubes and serve right away.
Cook's note
Nutrition is an estimate for one cocktail made with 1 ounce dry gin, 1 ounce Campari, and 1 ounce Lillet Rosé. Ice and the grapefruit peel garnish are not included because they add negligible calories.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Is a pink negroni as strong as a regular negroni?
It is very close. This version uses the same equal-parts structure, but Lillet Rosé is a little lighter and softer than many sweet vermouths. It is still a spirit-forward cocktail, so sip it slowly.
Can I shake a pink negroni instead of stirring it?
You can, but stirring is better here. Shaking adds tiny air bubbles and can make the drink look cloudy. Stirring keeps it clear, smooth, and properly chilled.
What gin works well in this drink?
Use a dry gin with citrus or herbal notes. A very floral gin can work, but it may make the drink taste sweeter. If you are unsure, choose a classic London dry style.
What can I use instead of grapefruit peel?
Orange peel is the easiest swap and gives a warmer citrus aroma. Lemon peel also works if you want a brighter, sharper finish.
Can I make this less bitter?
Yes. Use a milder red bitter aperitivo instead of Campari, or increase the Lillet Rosé by 1/4 ounce. The drink will be sweeter and less classic, but still balanced.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium5 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate11 g
- 4%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars10 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium2 mg
- 0%
- Iron0 mg
- 0%
- Potassium18 mg
- 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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