Negroni Sour Recipe: A Sophisticated Sour Drink
BarNeedAs a cocktail enthusiast, you’ve probably tried a Whiskey Sour, a classic drink that’s famous and has long been a staple on bar menus worldwide.
Today, let’s explore another sour-style cocktail: the Negroni Sour. With its rich layers and refreshing taste, it’s sure to win over your palate as well. Let’s take a look at how to make it.
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Introduction
The classic Negroni is made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari—bitter, sweet, with a hint of herbal and orange peel aromas. The Negroni Sour takes these traditional flavors and adds the fresh tartness of lemon, balancing the bitterness and giving it a lighter, more crisp twist. This creates a drink that’s not only rich in depth but also refreshingly vibrant.
With its complex profile and layered taste, the Negroni Sour also boasts an alluring red hue that offers a premium drinking experience. It’s perfect for any moment when you want to savor intricate flavors and enjoy the blend of alcohol and sweet-sour notes.
Tools Needed
- Shaker: Used to thoroughly mix and chill all ingredients.
- Strainer: Used to remove impurities, ensuring a smoother drink.
- Jigger: Used for precise measurement of each ingredient, ensuring the perfect ratio.
- Glass: An old-fashioned glass is the best choice, but feel free to use any glass you prefer.
Ingredients
- Gin (1.5 oz): The base spirit, providing a refreshing body with its herbal aroma.
- Sweet Vermouth (3/4 oz): Adds sweetness and subtle herbal flavors, balancing the potency of the gin.
- Campari (3/4 oz): Known for its bitter orange flavor, this is a signature ingredient in the Negroni family, also adding a beautiful red hue.
- Lemon Juice (3/4 oz): Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the alcohol's strength while adding a crisp, tart note.
- Egg White (1 portion): Egg white softens the bitterness and acidity, giving the drink a smoother, rounder texture.
- Ice Cubes (as needed): Ice helps chill the ingredients and provides some dilution for a balanced drink.
Steps to Make
1. Add all ingredients into the shaker without ice.
2. Dry shake for about 10-15 seconds to ensure the egg white froths and combines with the other ingredients.
3. Add ice and shake again for another 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the glass, discarding the ice and any impurities.
Finally, garnish with a twist of orange peel to add a refined touch and an extra citrus note.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Gin (1.5 oz)
- ABV: 40%
- Calories: 97
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Sweet Vermouth (3/4 oz)
- ABV: 15%
- Calories: 37
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Sugar: 6 g
Campari (3/4 oz)
- ABV: 25%
- Calories: 40
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Sugar: 8 g
Lemon Juice (3/4 oz)
- ABV: 0%
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Total Nutritional Information (per serving)
- ABV: 23%
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Sugar: 15 g
Notes
Flavor Adjustment: This drink has a pronounced sour and bitter profile. If you're not accustomed to these flavors, you can add a bit of simple syrup to balance it out.
Chill the Glass: For an even colder experience, you can pre-chill your glass by placing it in the fridge for a while before serving.
Food Pairing: This cocktail pairs perfectly with foods like burgers and barbecue, as its sour and bitter notes help to cut through the richness and grease of these dishes.