This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Calling all coffee and Negroni fans, this one’s for you! I’ve combined my two favorite drinks into one delicious coffee Negroni.

A Coffee Negroni in a rocks glass with an orange peel.

If you’re looking for a twist on the classic Negroni, this coffee-infused version is a must-try. The slightly bitter coffee flavor blends seamlessly into the cocktail, adding depth and richness that feel as if they always belonged there.

It’s a great choice for a boozy brunch when mimosas feel a little too tame, but it’s just as perfect for an evening gathering when you want a change from the classic espresso martini. This cocktail is easy to make, impressive to serve, and simple to scale up into a pitcher so everyone can enjoy a glass.

Espresso or coffee liquor?

I tested this recipe extensively with different amounts of both espresso and coffee liquor. (It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!) Here’s what I found:

Coffee liqueur: I tested this recipe with Kahlúa, but no matter how I adjusted it, the Negroni always turned out too sweet. I tried different amounts and even swapped the sweet vermouth for coffee liqueur, but the balance was never quite right. A good Negroni needs bitterness and structure, and the coffee liqueur overwhelmed both. The only upside was the color — it created a darker, almost black drink, which I did love visually.

Espresso: This was the clear winner. It took a few rounds of testing to dial it in, but espresso delivered the best balance. Using a full ounce gave great coffee flavor, but muted the Negroni’s signature boozy bite. A half-ounce of espresso per drink proved perfect, adding a rich coffee note while keeping the cocktail bold, balanced, and unmistakably a Negroni.

The ingredients to make a Coffee Negroni on a marble countertop.

A glass with a coffee negroni, elegantly garnished with an orange peel.

How can I make a big batch for a party?

A Negroni is the ultimate party drink, widely adored and easy to make in large batches. You’ll need to mix one part of each liquor and half a part of espresso. For a party, use cups instead of ounces. For example:

1 cup Campari + 1 cup gin + 1 cup sweet vermouth + ½ cup espresso = 1 pitcher of coffee Negroni.

Coffee Negroni Recipe

Prep: 5

Cook: 0

Total: 5

Rate Recipe Print

Save

Add us as a preferred source

Calling all coffee and negroni fans, this one's for you! We've taken our two favorite drinks and combined them into one delicious coffee negroni.

Ingredients

▢ 1 ounce Campari
▢ 1 ounce sweet vermouth
▢ 1 ounce gin
▢ ½ ounce espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
▢ A strip of orange peel, an orange wedge, or a dehydrated orange wheel (to garnish)

Instructions

Add a small handful of ice to a cocktail mixer or 2-cup mason jar.
Add the Campari, sweet vermouth, gin, and espresso and mix with a long spoon for about 30 seconds.
1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, 1 ounce gin, ½ ounce espresso
Strain the negroni into a rocks glass with a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel, orange wedge, or dehydrated orange wheel.

Notes

For a strong coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso to one ounce. This will make the negroni taste a lot like coffee, but it will also make the negroni taste a lot less boozy. (We prefer the recipe as written.)

Nutrition

Serving: 1 coffee negroni, Calories: 122kcal (6%), Carbohydrates: 14g (5%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 1g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 134mg (4%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 5mg (1%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.