Sake Negroni
A bitter and dry cocktail ∙ Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 14.7% ABV ∙
The Sake Negroni is a stirred riff on the Negroni that swaps the gin for sake, with a red bitter, dry vermouth, and a dash of saline, served over ice.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Red bitter 35 mlSake 35 mlDry vermouth 35 mlSaline solution 1 dash
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
- Express an orange twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Stir with ice until well chilled, strain over fresh ice in the old-fashioned glass, and express the orange twist over the top.
History
The Sake Negroni is a modern riff on the Negroni with no single documented creator; it appears across bar menus and drink databases as bartenders and sake producers substitute sake for the gin in the classic formula, keeping the bittersweet, bright-red character intact.
The Sake Negroni keeps the Negroni's equal-parts bittersweet structure but swaps sake in for the gin, trading its botanical backbone for a softer, rice-forward profile. This version uses dry vermouth.
FAQ
What is a Sake Negroni?
A Negroni with sake in place of the gin, stirred with a red bitter such as Campari, dry vermouth, and a dash of saline solution. It trades gin's juniper snap for sake's softer, savory rice note and comes in at about 14.7% ABV.
What is a Japanese Negroni?
"Japanese Negroni" is a loose name for Negroni riffs made with Japanese ingredients; this one uses sake in place of the gin.
What are some common Negroni mistakes to avoid?
The most common mistakes are under-chilling and skipping the twist. Stir until the drink is properly cold and diluted, not just combined, and strain it into an ice-filled glass. Then express the orange twist's oils over the surface instead of just dropping it in.
