Continental Negroni
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 24.5% ABV ∙
The Continental Negroni is a Negroni with Cynar in place of Campari and bianco vermouth instead of sweet red, stirred with London dry gin and served on ice.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: London dry gin 45 mlCynar 25 mlBianco vermouth 15 ml
- Strain into the ice-filled glass (preferably over a large cube or chunk of block ice)
- Express a lemon twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Stir with ice for about 30 seconds, then strain over a single large cube; it melts slowly, so the gin and Cynar stay distinct as you drink.
- At 45 ml the gin leads and its botanicals should come through; let the Cynar creep past 25 ml and it flattens a good gin.
History
The Continental Negroni was created by Douglas Derrick at Nostrana, an Italian restaurant in Portland, Oregon, as one of the monthly Negroni variations he put on its menu. It reworks the classic Negroni by replacing Campari with Cynar, an Italian carciofo (artichoke) amaro, and swapping the usual sweet rosso vermouth for a lighter bianco, so it tastes savory and less bitter. The drink has since spread through cocktail bars as one of many Negroni riffs, alongside spirit swaps such as the Boulevardier (whiskey instead of gin) and mezcal versions.
FAQ
What is in a Continental Negroni?
45 ml London dry gin, 25 ml Cynar and 15 ml bianco vermouth.
Is a Continental Negroni shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Like the classic Negroni, it has no juice, so it is stirred with ice to chill and dilute it while keeping it clear and silky; shaking would cloud it.
What glass is a Continental Negroni served in?
An old-fashioned (rocks) glass, ideally over one large ice cube.
How is a Continental Negroni different from a regular Negroni?
A Continental Negroni swaps Campari for Cynar and sweet red vermouth for bianco vermouth. The result is more savory and earthy, with artichoke bitterness in place of Campari's orange-forward bite, and a lighter color rather than the classic crimson.
Can I use a different amaro instead of Cynar?
Yes. Another bitter amaro such as Cardamaro gives a similar earthy taste, though you lose Cynar's artichoke note. Any swap changes how bitter or sweet the drink is, so adjust the vermouth to taste.
