Coffee and cocktails are two of my favorite things. There’s something special about both rituals – grinding fresh beans in the morning or mixing up drinks for friends on the weekend. So when I discovered I could bring these two worlds together, I got pretty excited. That’s where this cold brew negroni comes in.

I started making these during those warm summer evenings when a regular negroni felt a bit too heavy, but I still wanted those classic bitter-sweet flavors. The cold brew adds this smooth, roasted note that works surprisingly well with the gin and vermouth. Plus, having the coffee already prepared means I can mix these up in just a couple of minutes when friends stop by.

If you love both coffee and negronis (like I do), this drink might become your new go-to. It’s straightforward to make, and trust me – it’s a conversation starter at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Cold Brew Negroni

Quick preparation – This cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes – perfect when you want a sophisticated drink without the wait.
Simple ingredients – With just 4 ingredients, this recipe keeps things straightforward while delivering complex flavors.
Perfect balance – The addition of cold brew coffee adds a subtle richness to the classic negroni combination of gin, vermouth, and bitter aperitif.
No special equipment needed – All you need is a glass and a spoon to stir – no fancy bar tools required for this elegant cocktail.

What Kind of Gin Should I Use?

For a cold brew negroni, you’ll want to pick a gin that can stand up to the bold flavors of coffee and bitter aperitif without getting lost in the mix. London Dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater work really well here, thanks to their strong juniper backbone and citrus notes. If you prefer something a bit more contemporary, you could try a craft gin with coffee or chocolate botanicals – just avoid anything too floral or delicate since those subtle notes might get overwhelmed by the other ingredients. The most important thing is to choose a gin that’s at least 40% alcohol by volume to maintain the proper balance in your cocktail.

Options for Substitutions

While a Negroni is pretty specific in its components, here are some ways you can switch things up:

Gin: You can swap gin for vodka for a smoother drink, though you’ll lose some of those nice botanical notes. For a different twist, try using bourbon to make what’s known as a Boulevardier with coffee.
Sweet red vermouth: Sweet vermouth is pretty key here, but you can try different brands – Carpano Antica, Cocchi, or Dolin all work well. In a pinch, you could use dry vermouth plus a tiny splash of simple syrup, though the taste won’t be quite the same.
Red bitter aperitif: Campari is the classic choice, but you can use other red bitter liqueurs like Aperol (which will make it less bitter) or Gran Classico. Just note that Aperol will give you a sweeter, less intense drink.
Chilled brewed coffee: Any cold brew coffee works great here. You can use regular coffee that’s been chilled, or even espresso that’s been cooled down. Just avoid instant coffee as it might make the drink taste a bit harsh.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when crafting a cold brew negroni is using hot or warm coffee, which can throw off the drink’s temperature balance and dilute the cocktail when ice is added – always use properly chilled coffee that’s been cooled for at least 4 hours.

Getting the proportions wrong can make your drink either too bitter or too sweet, so measure your ingredients precisely using a jigger or measuring tool rather than eyeballing it.

Using low-quality vermouth that’s been open for too long can ruin your cocktail, so always store opened vermouth in the fridge and use it within 1-2 months – fresh vermouth makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

For the smoothest drink possible, stir (don’t shake) all ingredients with ice for about 30 seconds to achieve the perfect dilution and temperature, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

What to Serve With Cold Brew Negroni?

Since this coffee-infused cocktail combines the bold flavors of a classic negroni with cold brew, you’ll want to pair it with snacks that can stand up to these strong tastes. Small bites like salted marcona almonds or dark chocolate-covered espresso beans make perfect companions to sip alongside this drink. I love serving it with a cheese board that includes aged hard cheeses like parmesan or pecorino, which complement both the coffee and bitter notes. For a more substantial pairing, try some prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks or olive tapenade on crostini – these salty snacks balance out the cocktail’s complexity really well.

Storage Instructions

Keep Chilled: If you’ve made a batch of Cold Brew Negronis, keep them in an airtight bottle or container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 1 week. The flavors actually blend together nicely over time, making it a great make-ahead cocktail.

Batch It: Want to prep for a party? You can easily multiply this recipe and mix up a larger batch. Just combine all ingredients except the coffee in a bottle and store in the fridge. Add the cold brew coffee right before serving to keep the coffee notes fresh and bright.

Serve: Pour your chilled Negroni over fresh ice in a rocks glass. No need to shake or stir too much – it’s already perfectly cold and combined. If you’ve stored it for a while, just give the bottle a gentle swirl before pouring.