An Italian favorite gets a Southwestern spin in the delicious and bittersweet Tequila Negroni.
Negronis have become my latest cocktail obsession. This past year, while out on my birthday, I wanted to end the night with something different, something special. I’d heard the name Negroni mentioned in sophisticated drinking circles, and had seen the dark red beverage served in elegant rocks glasses, the orange peel floating like an island… beckoning me for a swim. So I asked the bartender to make me one.
While a traditional Negroni is equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and the Italian liqueur Campari, it was the latter ingredient I had no prior experience with. It looked delicious, sweet even… My taste buds didn’t know what to expect upon that first sip. Mixing seamlessly with the other spirits, the Campari still made its presence deliciously known. There was a sweetness, and the gin provided that dry floral flavor… but the Campari had a real satisfying bite, its bitter essence rising perfectly above the rest, quenching a thirst I didn’t know I had.
Once I discovered that there were many different roads you can take on my Negroni journey, I dove in headfirst and began to explore. The version we’ll be looking at today, the Tequila Negroni—also known as the “Tegroni”—fast became another favorite. A good blanco tequila will smoothly meld with the sweet vermouth and Campari, giving you a wonderfully warm, relaxing kick right when you need it.
What is the best vermouth to use in a Tequila Negroni?
It can be tempting to splurge on the tequila and Campari, but go for a cheaper vermouth. That would be a mistake. I find that any type used in any cocktail is often the make-or-break ingredient. If you make your Negroni with a bottom-shelf mixer, you’ll be wondering what that nasty aftertaste is. Usually, it’s a cheap vermouth. You don’t have to break the bank, but don’t go for the lowest price either. Your cocktail and taste buds will thank you for it.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce blanco tequila
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce Ancho Reyes chili liqueur for a spicy kick, optional
- Lime peel or lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a mixing glass. Pour in the blanco tequila, Campari, and sweet vermouth. If you're in the mood for a spicy twist, add the optional Ancho Reyes.
- Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds and strain into a lowball glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a fresh lime peel or lime wedge.
Nutrition
What kind of glassware and garnish are used?
A lowball or rocks glass is how you’ll want to serve your Tequila Negronis, with a juicy, little wedge or peel of lime for an extra zip of citrus.
What is Ancho Reyes?
A spicy chili-flavored liqueur. While not an essential ingredient to the Tequila Negroni, it does add an extra boozy kick, with a little sweetness, and enough heat to notice.
Similar drinks to the Tequila Negroni
Once you uncover the wonder of Campari, you’ll want a wider experience with the intense and bitter liqueur. Twist & Toast has more than a few cocktails to satiate that new craving. Check them out:
- Siesta – Another tequila and Campari concoction, this is one cocktail you won’t fall asleep on.
- Classic Negroni – The drink whose reputation precedes it. Once you have one, it might just become your go-to cocktail.
- Rosita – Tequila and Campari have become best friends! Here’s another delicious tipple featuring the two spirits together.
- Aperol Spritz – If Campari is a little too bitter for your palate, try the slightly sweeter Aperol in this simple and refreshing drink.
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