How To Make a Mezcal Negroni

Although I love to get crafty with cocktails, I don't always want to spend an excessive amount of time doing so. By making sure to keep two different spirits, 2 types of vermouth, and Campari on my bar cart I never have to worry. With those ingredients, almost any drink is within reach, especially Negronis.

Drinking a Negroni makes me fantasize about sitting outside a cafe in Positano in the summertime. Although that's absolutely not my reality, it’s still a beverage I love to make and drink at home for a little aperitivo hour. 

Traditionally, Negroni’s are made with gin, but I’ve found since it's so boozy, the smoky element of the mezcal is the perfect way to balance out the bitterness of this traditional drink. Many times people find mezcal too intense, but if paired with the right beverage, it's a whole new way to experience this magical spirit.

One of the (many) reasons Negronis are so fantastic are because of how easy they are to make!  The ratio of ingredients is 1:1:1, so even if math isn’t your thing, this is a ratio you can remember!

Now let’s begin!

Mezcal Negroni

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces mezcal 

• 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth

• 1 1/2 ounces Campari

Steps:

In a cocktail glass, combine mezcal, vermouth, and Campari.

Add ice and stir until chilled.

Strain drink into a serving glass over fresh ice and garnish with an orange peel (or use the same ice if you’d like). Serve immediately and enjoy :) 

HOT TIP: For an extra flavor, lightly run a flame on the outside of the orange peel to help release the oils. This trick is super fun and ties together the smoky flavor of the mezcal and orange elements from the Campari.