Mezcal Negroni (AKA Oaxacan Negroni or Mexican Negroni)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Curious if you can make a Negroni with mezcal? Spoiler alert: this delicious smoky-bitter combo doesn’t just work, it’s the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. As a mezcal lover who LOVES creating delicious delights to sip, I am so excited to guide you through making this bold mezcal negroni – it just might become your new favorite drink!
A mezcal Negroni—also known as an Oaxacan or Mexican Negroni—is a smoky twist on an absolute classic. Negronis are a go-to for cocktail lovers everywhere (myself included), and serving one at a dinner party never fails to impress. One night while entertaining, I’d already made the traditional version more times than I could count, so I took a peek at my cocktail cabinet, looking for a fresh spin. That’s when I spotted the mezcal—and the rest is history. The smoky depth it brings is pure magic. Let’s get into it.
A mezcal Negroni is made exactly like a classic Negroni, with equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, but with one key swap: the gin is replaced with mezcal. That simple change adds a subtle smokiness that plays beautifully with the bittersweet Campari and the rich, herbal vermouth. It still tastes unmistakably like a Negroni—just deeper, bolder, and a little more mysterious.
Another twist you might enjoy is my tequila Negroni.
Tips for making the best mezcal negroni cocktail
- While it’s not necessary to buy top-shelf mezcal for mixing drinks, quality does count. You’ll enjoy this drink most if you make it with mezcal that you like to sip.
- Don’t use too much ice when building the negroni – you don’t want to dilute it.
- Use large-format ice cubes to prevent your negroni from getting watered down. We love Peak Ice Works ice cube molds. We use either spheres or large cubes, depending on the size of the glass we use.
- If you don’t have large ice cubes, only add 2-3 small pieces of ice to your glass.
- Always garnish your negroni with orange. While garnishes sometimes are just for looks, the bitter smell of the orange elevates every sip you take. Don’t skip it!
Mezcal Negroni (AKA Oaxacan Negroni or Mexican Negroni)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce mezcal
- 1 ounce campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Strip of orange peel, thin orange slice, or a dehydrated orange wheel (to garnish)
Instructions
- Put a small handful of ice into a cocktail mixing glass or mason jar.
- Add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth and stir for 30 seconds.
- Put a large ice cube into a rocks glass then strain the negroni into the glass. Garnish with one of the orange options.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Yummy! Tried the recipe and it came out nice. Thanks for sharing.
Haven’t tried it yet… But it looks so tempting. I would let you know how it goes.
Just like other recipes I’ve tried on this website… This looks great already.
Will be trying it out this weekend.
This was delicious! I just loved how the smoky mezcal paired with the bitter notes of the campari. Will definitely whip this up again!
What great flavor combinations! Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve never tried this dish. It looks absolutely stunning! Intrigued to give it a try.
I especially love cocktails with an orange garnish during the winter months – probably because I live in California and have an orange tree in my backyard. This drink was amazing, can’t wait to make it again!