Tequila Negroni
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 23.6% ABV ∙
The Tequila Negroni is a stirred, spirit-forward riff on the Negroni that swaps the gin for reposado tequila alongside a red bitter and sweet vermouth. Agave warmth and light oak from the reposado lead, then bitter orange and a rich vermouth sweetness settle into a long, bittersweet finish.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Tequila reposado 30 mlRed bitter 30 mlCarpano Antica Formula vermouth 30 ml
- Strain into the ice-filled glass (preferably over a large cube or chunk of block ice)
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice
Tips
- Pre-chill the glass before building — it keeps the large ice cube from weeping into the drink as you finish it.
- Reach for reposado, not blanco or añejo — its light oak bridges the agave with the bitter and vermouth better than an unaged or heavily aged tequila.
- Stir for about 30 seconds so the equal-parts, spirit-heavy mix chills and dilutes fully before straining.
History
The Tequila Negroni is a modern riff on the Negroni that swaps the gin for tequila, giving the drink an agave-forward, smokier edge while keeping the equal-parts formula of bitter, vermouth, and spirit. No single bartender, bar, or date is documented for this tequila-based version; it circulates as one of many spirit-swap Negroni variations that became popular as bartenders began experimenting with the template using mezcal, tequila, and other base spirits.
The Negroni itself is traditionally traced to Florence, Italy, where it is said to have been created around 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to strengthen his usual Americano by replacing the soda water with gin. Its precise origin is disputed among several claimants, but the Negroni went on to become one of the most widely known bitter-vermouth cocktails, providing the base that later spirit-swapped versions like the Tequila Negroni riff on.
FAQ
What is a Negroni made with tequila called?
It is called a Tequila Negroni, an equal-parts riff that swaps in reposado tequila for the usual gin.
Can you make a Negroni with tequila instead of gin?
Yes, replacing the gin with reposado tequila turns a Negroni into a Tequila Negroni, trading the gin's juniper snap for agave warmth and light oak while keeping the same bitter-sweet balance.
Is a Tequila Negroni good?
Yes, the reposado tequila's agave and oak notes hold up well against the red bitter, giving a bittersweet, spirit-forward drink with a warmer, earthier edge.
What is the ideal ratio for a Tequila Negroni?
This build uses equal parts reposado tequila, red bitter, and sweet vermouth, the same equal-parts ratio as a classic Negroni, stirred with ice and strained over a large cube.
How do you make a Tequila Negroni?
Stir reposado tequila, a red bitter such as Campari, and sweet vermouth with ice, then strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, preferably a large cube or block. Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice. Pre-chilling the glass beforehand helps the ice hold up through the drink.
