The Best Gins for Making a Negroni Cocktail

There's something about the sweet and bitter flavor of a Negroni that's hard to beat on a hot day. Amp up your summer cocktail game with our top-rated gin picks.

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SWINDON, UK - NOVEMBER 20, 2017: 70 cl bottle of Hendricks distilled gin 41.4% alcohol on a white background; Shutterstock ID 758898892; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
urbanbuzz/Shutterstock

Hendrick’s Gin

Hendrick’s gets its unique flavor during the distillation process, thanks to an infusion of rose petal and cucumber. Other tasting notes in this Scottish spirit include coriander, chamomile, citrus peel and of course, juniper. Want to add those notes to your Negroni, too? Go with Hendrick’s.

Here are eight ways to shake up the classic Negroni cocktail.

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North Shore Distillery Distiller's Gin No. 11
via northshoredistillery.com

North Shore Distillery Distiller’s Gin No. 11

Though a relative newcomer in the world of gin, Distiller’s Gin No. 11 has received plenty of praise. This gin features a robust juniper flavor along with notes of citrus peel and pink peppercorns. Since it’s produced in Illinois, this gin’s current distribution is mostly limited to the Midwest.

Don’t just drink like a local. Eat like one, too, with our favorite Illinois recipes.

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Tanqueray London Dry Gin
via tanqueray.com

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

If you order a Negroni at a bar, more often than not it’s made with Tanqueray. A classic choice for any cocktail, this gin features the flavors of only four botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and licorice.

You should know how to make these classic cocktails before you’re 30.

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FONTE, VENICE, ITALY - FEBRUARY 2018. Bottle of Gin Brooklyn 70cl, 40%Vol.; Shutterstock ID 1018649239; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
enricobaringuarise/Shutterstock

Brooklyn Gin

This award-winning American gin features freshly peeled citrus and hand-cracked juniper berries. Distribution of this small-batch gin is currently limited to New York State, with extensive availability throughout New York City.

These are our favorite recipes from New York.

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BLOOM London Gin
via bloomgin.com

Bloom London Gin

A great choice for a Negroni, Bloom was created by Joanne Moore, one of the world’s few female Master Distillers. This dry gin features light floral and sweet flavors, including notes of chamomile, honey and citrus.

New to gin? Try one of these tasty cocktails.

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Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
via monkey47.com

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin

With an infusion of 47 botanicals, the flavor of this German dry gin is quite complex. Along with traditional juniper notes, this gin also features lavender, fresh citrus peel, coriander and a variety of herbs and brambles sourced from the Black Forest region (aka Schwarzwald) where the gin is distilled.

Pair this gin with one of Oma’s best German recipes.

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Beefeater London Dry Gin
via beefeatergin.com

Beefeater London Dry Gin

Beefeater is another classic London Dry Gin with hearty juniper notes and a strong citrus flavor. This gin is also perfect in a classic martini.

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St. George Terroir Gin
via stgeorgespirits.com

St. George Terroir Gin

As its name suggests, this Californian gin is a true testament to where it is produced. Crafted from Douglas fir, California bay laurel and coastal sage, this gin is sure to add a West coast flair to your Negroni (or any cocktail, for that matter).

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Plymouth Gin
via plymouthgin.com

Plymouth Gin

Plymouth Gin has been distilled using the same blend of botanicals since 1973. This gin hails from Plymouth, England, the port from which the Mayflower set sail.

Try this classic spirit in our lime and gin coconut macaroons.

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The Botanist Gin
via bruichladdich.com

The Botanist Gin

This herbal gin features 22 hand-foraged botanicals gathered from the Scottish Isle of Islay, where it is distilled.

And if you like a Negroni, you should try one of these other classic cocktails recipes your grandparents loved.

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Gin Mare
via ginmare.com

Gin Mare

Gin Mare is produced in a small Spanish fishing town just off the coast of the Mediterranean. Its flavor—influenced by its seaside locale—features notes of rosemary, olives, citrus, thyme and basil and is the perfect counterpart to bitter Campari and sweet vermouth.

Next up: 12 Secret Cocktail Ingredients Bartenders Swear By

Susan Bronson
Susan is a food and wine writer and editor based in northern Wisconsin. In 2010, she created the food blog A Less Processed Life, which features made-from-scratch recipes that highlight locally grown ingredients. As a contributor for Taste of Home, Susan has written about twists on classic cocktails like apple cider sangria and maple old-fashioneds. She also shares tried-and-true cooking techniques and re-creates and reviews recipes from notable chefs, including Julia Child and Ina Garten. She lives on a small family farm with her husband and son, and loves tasting all that the Upper Midwest’s culinary landscape has to offer.