No-groni (Non-Alcoholic Negroni)
A zero-proof twin of the world's bestselling bar cocktail: NA bitter red aperitif, NA red vermouth-style aperitif and NA gin, stirred cold and finished with an orange peel. Bitter, a little sweet and ready in 3 minutes.
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Total Time 3 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Italian
- 1 oz non-alcoholic bitter red aperitif Campari-style; check the label for ABV
- 1 oz non-alcoholic red vermouth-style aperitif sweet (rosso) style
- 1 oz non-alcoholic gin alternative or dry white verjus for a tangier, gin-free version
- 1 large ice cube plus more ice for stirring
- 1 strip strip orange peel about 2 to 3 inches, cut with a vegetable peeler
- 1 tsp simple syrup optional, if you like it less bitter
Pop a rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you gather everything.
Fill a mixing glass (or any big glass) about two-thirds full with ice. Add the NA bitter aperitif, NA vermouth-style aperitif and NA gin (or verjus).
Stir with a long spoon for 20 to 30 seconds, until the outside of the glass feels really cold.
Put the large ice cube in your chilled rocks glass and strain the drink over it.
Hold the orange peel skin side down over the glass and give it a firm twist to spray the oils over the drink. Rub it around the rim, then drop it in.
Taste. Too bitter? Stir in the simple syrup, or top with a splash of soda water for a lighter, spritzy version.
How to order it at a bar: Ask: "Do you have a non-alcoholic aperitif or NA vermouth? Could you make me a Negroni-style drink with those, stirred, with an orange peel?" If they don't have NA bottles, ask for tonic water over ice with a big orange peel. It's got the same bitter vibe. Always say "no alcohol, please" so nobody adds regular bitters or a splash of the real stuff on autopilot.
Allergens and labels: NA aperitifs and gins are made with herbs, roots, citrus and sometimes added colors, so check the ingredient list if you have allergies. Verjus and some NA vermouths can contain sulfites. Some "non-alcoholic" products can contain trace alcohol, so read the ABV on the label if you need zero.
Make a batch: mix equal parts of the three NA bottles in a jar and keep it in the fridge. Pour 3 oz over a big ice cube and add an orange peel for an instant No-groni. Keyword non-alcoholic negroni