Negroni Week is a global celebration, and for cocktail lovers and home mixologists, it’s the perfect time to explore new territory. The classic Negroni is a simple yet elegant drink, a favorite for its 1:1:1 ratio. But beyond the traditional, there’s a world of Negroni riffs waiting to be discovered. This guide will help you elevate your cocktail game, with a focus on sourcing incredible spirits and vermouths, including some from right here in Maine.

A Modern Classic: The White Negroni

If you’re looking for a refreshing take on the Negroni, the White Negroni is a must-try. This elegant riff is a fantastic way to impress your friends or simply enjoy a sophisticated drink. We’re giving it a twist with a unique vermouth.

Our version features Dolin Chambéryzette, a fruit-forward vermouth with wild strawberry. This complements a bitter gentian liqueur and your favorite gin for a complex, botanical-forward drink. It’s a perfect cocktail for those who appreciate nuanced flavors.

Vermouth is the Star: New Ingredients, New Negronis

The secret to a great Negroni riff often lies in the vermouth. Swapping out this single component can completely transform the drink. When you’re searching liquor stores for something new, look for bottles that promise a different flavor profile.

  • Lustau Rojo: A Spanish sweet vermouth with a sherry base, Lustau Rojo delivers a nutty and dried fruit complexity that adds incredible depth. A great find for those seeking a richer, more opulent Negroni.
  • Unico Yuzu: For a bright, citrus-forward experience, seek out a yuzu-based vermouth. The vibrant, tart notes of yuzu will cut through the bitter Campari, making for a refreshing and lively cocktail.

A Conscious Sip: The Vegan Negroni

As a liquor store, we’re seeing more customers seeking out vegan-friendly products. Some traditional aperitifs and vermouths use animal-based fining agents, so it’s worth checking the label. For a delicious, cruelty-free Negroni, look for these stellar substitutions.

  • Campari Alternatives: Try Dola Dira or Mazzura as a vegan replacement for Campari. They provide the necessary bitterness and vibrant color without any animal-derived ingredients.
  • Vegan Vermouth: The Mata Vermut Tinto is a superb, vegan-friendly sweet vermouth that won’t compromise on flavor. When you’re shopping for your next bottle, keep an eye out for “vegan friendly” labeling.

Elevate Your Mixology: The Split Vermouth Negroni

The 1:1:1 Negroni is a cocktail icon because of its simplicity. But for the home bartender ready for a new challenge, a “split vermouth” riff is a game-changer. The formula is easy: 1/3 gin, 1/3 Campari, and then split the final third between your go-to vermouth and a unique new bottle.

  • Trenel Crème de Griotte: This fortified cherry liqueur adds a deep, fruity richness. It’s an ingredient that will make your Negroni truly stand out.
  • Mommenpop Blood Orange Aperitif: This California-made aperitif brings a bright, sunny citrus note. A great option for a Negroni that feels like a taste of summer.
  • RAS A7 Americano: For a true taste of Maine, seek out RAS A7 Americano, an aromatized wine made from Maine wild blueberries. RAS is a Maine winery based in South Bristol, and their blueberry and brandy wine will give your Negroni an incredible local flair. Explore more from RAS Wines here.

Beyond the Gin: The Base Spirit Riff

One of the hottest trends in cocktails is swapping the Negroni’s base spirit. This simple change opens up a world of new flavor combinations.

  • The Boulevardier: A classic Boulevardier uses whiskey instead of gin, resulting in a warm, rich, and spicy cocktail perfect for cooler weather.
  • Mezcal Negroni: For a smoky, complex, and intriguing drink, swap the gin for mezcal.
  • Negroni Sbagliato: The viral favorite. Use Prosecco instead of gin for a lighter, bubbly, and incredibly refreshing sip.
  • Kingston Negroni: A rum-based version that delivers a touch of sweetness and Caribbean funk.

September’s Featured Drink: The Coco-Nutgroni

Our cocktail of the month is the ultimate summer-to-fall transition drink, perfect for Negroni Week celebrations. The Coco-Nutgroni uses local Bimini Gin from Round Turn Distilling, a Maine distillery based in Biddeford.

The Coco-Nutgroni

This tropical riff on the classic Negroni combines the subtle sweetness of coconut-washed Bimini Gin with the spiced notes of Lo-Fi Sweet Vermouth and the bitterness of Campari.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Bimini Coconut Washed Gin
  • 1 oz Lo-Fi Sweet Vermouth
  • 1 oz Campari
  • Garnish: Orange twist, optional toasted coconut flakes

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass with ice, combine the gin, vermouth, and Campari.
  2. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  4. Express the orange twist over the drink and drop it in. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes if desired.

Learn more about Round Turn Distilling and Bimini Gin here.

The Non-Alc Negroni: No Booze, All Flavor

Navigating the world of no-alcohol drinks can be challenging, but St. Agrestis has made it simple. Their excellent “Phony Negroni” series is a fantastic option for a booze-free cocktail that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. We carry their Amaro, Coffee, Mezcal, White, and Original versions. At just $4.99 for a 200 mL bottle, it’s perfect for two drinks and a great find at our liquor store. The bottles are so cute you’ll want to collect them all! Explore the St. Agrestis collection here.