Mezcal Negroni Rojo: Bitter, Bold, and Earthy with Agave Soul
Flavor Profile: Herbaceous, Bitter, Earthy
Walking the fine line between bitter and sweet, our Negroni Rojo merges the herbaceous bitterness of Campari with the lush green flavors of the Fósforo Ensamble.
Learn more about how we make Fósforo Mezcal using artesanal methods on our process page.
How to Make a Mezcal Negroni Rojo
2 oz. Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble
¾ oz. Campari
½ oz. Sweet Vermouth
Pour ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled and strain into an old fashioned glass with a rock. Garnish with the peel of an orange.
Why Fósforo Mezcal Works in a Negroni
Made from a blend of espadilla and tobalá agave, Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble brings a grounded complexity to the Negroni format. Its floral lift, subtle smoke, and earthy spice provide an intriguing foil to Campari’s sharp herbal bitterness and the mellow, red fruit notes of sweet vermouth.
The result is a mezcal cocktail that feels both classic and contemporary – complex, balanced, and deeply rooted in craft.
A Smoky Riff on an Icon
The Negroni has stood the test of time for good reason: its 1:1:1 build of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth offers perfect balance. The Mezcal Negroni Rojo keeps the spirit-forward structure but leans into boldness and rustic refinement. With mezcal in the mix, the cocktail takes on earthy, roasted notes while still delivering the bitter punch Negroni lovers crave.
Ideal as a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap, it’s a modern classic with Poblano soul.
Serving Tips for the Perfect Mezcal Negroni
Use a large cube to keep the dilution slow and consistent.
Express the orange peel over the glass before dropping it in to release the oils.
FAQ: Mezcal Negroni Rojo with Fósforo Ensamble
Q: What makes this Negroni different from the classic?
A: Instead of gin, it uses Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble, which adds earthy smoke, floral depth, and a unique agave backbone.
Q: Is this cocktail very bitter?
A: It’s moderately bitter, balanced by the sweetness of the vermouth and the body of the mezcal. It’s a refined, well-rounded bitterness.
Q: Can I batch this cocktail in advance?
A: Yes. Stir the ingredients together and store in a sealed container in the fridge. Serve over fresh ice with garnish when ready.
Q: What vermouth do you recommend?
A: A classic sweet vermouth such as Carpano Antica, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, or Punt e Mes adds body and richness.
Q: Is Fósforo Mezcal smoky?
A: Fósforo has a gentle, balanced smokiness from traditional pit roasting – nuanced and complex for stirred classics, without overpowering the other ingredients.
