An Iconic Cocktail with a Modern Twist: The history of the Negroni
As the owner of Tack Room Distillery, where we pride ourselves on crafting unique, flavour-forward gins, it’s always fascinating to explore the history behind classic cocktails. Among the world’s most beloved drinks, the Negroni holds a special place.
It’s a cocktail rich in heritage, balancing bold, bittersweet flavours with a refined elegance that has made it an enduring favourite for over a century. From its origins in Italy to its global status today, the history of the Negroni’s journey is one of sophistication, simplicity, and an unwavering connection to aperitivo culture.
While we at Tack Room Distillery love to honour the classics, we also believe that there’s room to innovate and infuse our own flavours into these time-tested recipes. That’s why we’ve created our Rhubarb & Blood Orange gin—a fruity, refreshing take on the traditional Negroni that’s perfect for those looking to shake up their cocktail routine. But before we dive into our modern twist, let’s take a look back at the rich history of the Negroni.
The Birth of the Negroni: A Cocktail with Deep Italian Roots
The Negroni’s story begins in Italy during the early 20th century, but to truly understand its origin, we must first explore its precursor, the Mi-To. The Mi-To, short for Milano-Torino, is widely regarded as the forefather of the Negroni. This drink came to life in the late 19th century and was a simple yet delightful combination of Campari (from Milan) and vermouth (from Turin), hence the name Milano-Torino. The Mi-To embodied Italy’s burgeoning cocktail culture at the time and often served as an aperitivo, a drink meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
The Mi-To’s popularity soared, particularly in Milan, where patrons of the city’s cafés enjoyed the drink as a pre-dinner ritual. Its appeal came from the balance of bitter and sweet—the boldness of Campari paired with the rich, herbal notes of Italian vermouth.
 From Mi-To to the Americano: A Touch of Fizz
As Italy became a hub for international tourism, the Mi-To evolved into a new drink called the Americano. This evolution occurred in the early 20th century, likely during the 1910s. The Americano retained the base of Campari and sweet vermouth but added a splash of soda water, which lightened the drink and made it more refreshing for a broader audience. The name “Americano” is believed to have been a nod to the growing number of American tourists who flocked to Italy after World War I. These visitors developed a taste for the lighter, effervescent version of the original Mi-To.
The Americano became a favourite of the famous Italian café scene, and even more famously, it was the drink of choice for fictional secret agent James Bond in Casino Royale, long before he switched to his iconic vodka martini.
 The Negroni is Born: A Bold Move
The moment that gave rise to the Negroni occurred in Florence in 1919. The story, as legend has it, involves a man named Count Camillo Negroni. A well-travelled gentleman with a penchant for stronger drinks, Count Negroni found himself at a café in Florence one evening, craving something with more kick than his usual Americano. He asked the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to swap the soda water in his Americano for a measure of gin.
This simple yet bold substitution led to the creation of the Negroni as we know it today—a perfectly balanced combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, typically garnished with an orange peel to complement the bittersweet flavours. The gin brought a new depth of complexity to the drink, adding botanicals and a crispness that elevated the entire experience.
The Negroni quickly became a favourite in Florence, and its reputation spread throughout Italy and beyond. The combination of equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth is both simple to make and sophisticated in flavour, making it a timeless choice for cocktail lovers.
 The Negroni Today: A Global Favourite
Today, the Negroni is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world. It’s celebrated not only for its history but also for its versatility. Bartenders around the globe have embraced the Negroni, experimenting with its core ingredients to create countless variations. From the White Negroni, which uses dry vermouth and Lillet Blanc instead of the traditional red vermouth, to the Boulevardier, which swaps gin for whiskey, the Negroni’s formula has proven to be a canvas for creativity.
But no matter how many modern twists emerge, the classic Negroni will always retain its place as a symbol of Italian aperitivo culture—an enduring testament to the power of simple ingredients and perfect balance.
 A Modern Twist: The Tack Room Distillery Negroni
While we at Tack Room Distillery honour the history of the Negroni, we’re always looking for ways to introduce new flavours and ideas to the classics. That’s where our Rhubarb & Blood Orange gin comes in. For those who want to try a fresh take on the traditional Negroni, our gin adds a bright, fruity, refreshing, and complex twist.
The sweetness of rhubarb balances perfectly with the citrusy zest of blood orange, offering a vibrant counterpoint to the bitterness of the Campari. When combined with sweet vermouth, these flavours create a Negroni that feels both familiar and excitingly different.
Here’s how to make the Tack Room Distillery Negroni with our Rhubarb & Blood Orange gin:
 Ingredients:
- 25ml Tack Room Distillery Rhubarb & Blood Orange gin
- 25ml Campari
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- Garnish with an orange peel
Method:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir gently until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel to enhance the citrus notes.
This version of the Negroni retains the classic’s bittersweet backbone but with a fruity twist that’s perfect for warm evenings or as a pre-dinner aperitif. It’s a drink that celebrates both tradition and innovation—a modern nod to the Italian classic.
 Raising a Glass to the Negroni
The Negroni’s rich history, from its humble beginnings in the Mi-To to its status as a global icon, speaks to its timeless appeal. As distillers and lovers of fine spirits, we at Tack Room Distillery are thrilled to contribute to the Negroni’s ongoing story with our unique Rhubarb & Blood Orange gin. Whether you’re a purist who enjoys the classic Negroni or someone who’s eager to try new flavours, this cocktail continues to offer endless possibilities for exploration.
So why not raise a glass with us and try the Tack Room Distillery Negroni? With our Rhubarb & Blood Orange gin, you’ll experience a refreshing, fruity twist on a time-honoured favourite—perfect for any occasion. Cheers!