This three-ingredient classic cocktail drink is as refreshing—and Italian—as it gets. The story of the Negroni is its invention at Caffè Casoni in Florence, when Count Camillo asked for a bolder retelling of the Americano, with gin replacing soda water. The ruby-toned cocktail has inspired countless riffs, including the Boulevardier and the Kingston Negroni.

This simple and sophisticated aperitif is satisfying to enjoy before a meal and features gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The sweetness of the vermouth offsets the bitterness of the Campari for a well-balanced flavor.

The Negroni is very easy to mix and the only trick to making it taste great is using good-quality ingredients.

The Negroni Cocktail Recipe
Yields one cocktail

Ingredients
1 ounce gin
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce vermouth rosso
Orange twist for garnish

Directions
Add the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over cubed ice.

Garnish with a twist of orange peel.