Frozen Negroni

Ratings: from .

PREP TIME 10 min

Cocktail Type

Campari

Great for

Garden Party

Difficulty

Easy

Two Frozen Negroni cocktails with orange garnish, served poolside

When summer hits and temperatures soar, there’s no cocktail quite like the frozen Negroni to beat the heat. It’s a nostalgic throwback to neon slushies of yesteryear, but without the sugar rush-inducing sweetness. In fact, the frozen Negroni is the exact opposite. It’s a refined frozen cocktail that captures the best of a Negroni while adding its own flair to the mix.  

The most obvious addition to the cocktail party is texture, thanks to the icy transformation. Where a regular Negroni is smooth yet sharp, the frozen version glides across the palate. The bittersweet flavours of fruit and spice are revealed at a slower pace, and it finishes with a lingering herbal kick. We think it’s the most refreshing Negroni variation of all, making it the perfect companion for those hot summer days. 

QUICK TIPS

01
-

Chill your glasses for at least 30 minutes before serving.

02
-

Chill the gin, Campari and vermouth for best results.

03
-

For a sweeter cocktail, add one ounce of fresh orange juice.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

Orange slice to garnish  
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

01
1.

All the gin, Campari and vermouth into a blender with one scoop of ice

02
2.

Blend until smooth then pour into a chilled rocks glass

03
3.

Garnish with an orange slice and serve

Blending tips for a perfect Frozen Negroni

Blitzing up the perfect Frozen Negroni is all about getting the texture just right—smooth and icy without being overly slushy. Start by using a high-powered blender to ensure the ice is crushed finely. Add equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the blender, then throw in a handful of ice cubes.

For an extra silky texture, consider adding a splash of sugar syrup or a bit of orange juice. Blend on high speed until you achieve a consistency that’s thick and frosty, but still sippable through a straw. Don’t forget to taste and adjust; a little more Campari can add extra bitterness, while additional vermouth can sweeten things up.

Read next: 11 Perfectly Frosty Frozen Cocktails for Any Season

Frozen Negroni vs. Classic Negroni

Both the Frozen Negroni and the Classic Negroni bring their own unique charm to the table. The classic Negroni, with its straightforward mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, served over ice, offers a concentrated, bold flavour profile. It’s the kind of drink you savour slowly. On the other hand, the Frozen Negroni is like the cool, laid-back cousin.

Blended with ice, it’s perfect for hot summer days when you want that signature Negroni bitterness but with an icy twist. While both versions highlight the iconic bittersweet profile of Campari, the Frozen Negroni adds a fun, approachable vibe that makes it great for social gatherings.

Learn more: How to Make Clear Ice for Your Favourite Drinks

Best occasions for serving a Frozen Negroni

The Frozen Negroni is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for warm-weather entertainment. Think poolside parties, beach picnics, or afternoon brunches on the patio.

It’s also a perfect pre-dinner drink for summer barbecues, setting the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable evening. If you’re hosting a garden party or a casual get-together, offering guests a Frozen Negroni will definitely score you some points for creativity and style.

Go pro: 20 Negroni Variations (Unique Recipes to Try at Home)

Garnish ideas for a Frozen Negroni

The right garnish can elevate your Frozen Negroni from tasty to stunning. Stick with a classic orange slice for a touch of elegance that complements the drink’s citrus notes. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic experience that pairs beautifully with the herbal complexity of Campari.

For a touch of colour and sweetness, a few pomegranate seeds scattered on top can add an appealing look and a bit of crunch.

Pairing food with your Frozen Negroni

Pairing a Frozen Negroni with the right food can create a memorable tasting experience. Its bitter-sweet flavour makes it a great match for salty canapés, like prosciutto-wrapped melon or olive tapenade on crusty bread.

For a fuller meal, think of rich, savoury dishes like grilled seafood, particularly shrimp or octopus, which play well against the Negroni’s herbal notes. If you’re offering cheese, go for sharp and tangy varieties like blue cheese or aged pecorino that can stand up to the boldness of the drink.

And don’t forget dessert: a slice of dark chocolate cake or a citrusy tart can beautifully round off your Negroni experience.

Cocktails to try if you love a Frozen Negroni

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Pina Colada
Rum Runner
Blue Hawaiian

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A Frozen Negroni is best served in a rocks glass. These glasses have a sturdy base and wide rim, making them ideal for sipping a thick, slushy cocktail. You can also use a stemless wine glass for a more elegant presentation. To enhance the experience, chill the glasses before serving and garnish with a slice of orange or a twist of orange peel for added flavour and aroma.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of a Frozen Negroni to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, consider adding a splash of sugar syrup or a few drops of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier. For a more balanced or bitter flavour profile, stick to the traditional recipe ratios of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Experiment with different proportions until you find the perfect balance that matches your palate.

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