The Spicy Negroni is sultry and smoky with the warming hum of sun-ripened ancho chiles. Its flavour is revealed sip by sip as you delve deeper into intricate layers of delicate bitterness, smoke, and spice. It’s a cocktail that ignites the senses without overwhelming them and leaves a lingering impression long after the last sip.
Spicy Negroni
PREP TIME 5 min
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, and stir well for at least 30 seconds
02
2.
Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice
03
3.
Garnish with an orange twist and serve
What is a Spicy Negroni?
The Spicy Negroni recipe is a modern riff on the cocktail world’s most iconic trio. Instead of sticking with the traditional gin-vermouth combo, bartenders started experimenting with mezcal and chile liqueur to create a bold but balanced profile.
While some might expect a hot Negroni to burn, the truth is that this drink leans into smoky depth with just enough heat to keep things exciting. It’s adventurous without being overpowering, so learning how to make a Spicy Negroni is a proper win when you want something familiar yet daring.
Learn more: Negroni Week 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Spicy Negroni vs Classic Negroni
A classic Negroni is all about dry gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, delivering crisp botanicals and bittersweet harmony. By contrast, the Spicy Negroni swaps gin for mezcal and layers in chile liqueur for a sultry mix of smoke and fire.
Some even call it a pepper Negroni thanks to its bite. The result? A cocktail that feels both familiar and fresh. Want to compare them side by side? Check out our Negroni recipe to see how the original stacks up.
Read next: Now Trending: Easy Mezcal Cocktails for Agave Lovers
Best ingredients for a Spicy Negroni
Every Campari Spicy Negroni obviously starts with Campari, the bittersweet heart that anchors the whole drink. Next comes Montelobos Mezcal Espadín, known for its artisanal smoke and earthy notes.
Ancho Reyes Original adds chile warmth that lingers beautifully with every sip. Put them together and you’ve got a spicy Negroni cocktail that’s bold, layered, and unforgettable.
INSIDER TIP: For extra richness, you can stir in a dash of optional Bottega Cinzano 1757 G.I. Extra Dry vermouth, which enhances the balance without losing the fiery edge.
Garnish & serving suggestions
The best way to serve a chilli Negroni is in a rocks glass with a single large ice cube. An orange twist brings out citrussy oils, while a fresh red chilli garnish adds a playful kick and visual drama. Feeling extra bold? Rim the glass with chilli salt for a spicy, smoky surprise that pairs perfectly with the drink’s fiery personality.
Food pairings
Pairing food with a Negroni with spice unlocks some seriously tasty moments. Think grilled carne asada or lamb, where charred flavours mingle with smoky mezcal. Spicy tacos or zingy ceviche hold their own against the chilli warmth without getting lost.
Aged cheeses with nutty, smoky undertones also shine next to the drink’s bittersweet layers. Together, they create a feast that feels indulgent yet balanced—just like the Spicy Negroni.
Related Negroni variations
If you love exploring Negroni variations, this fiery riff is only the start. Try these three twists on the OG:
- Oaxacan Negroni: Smoky, bittersweet, and finished with a grapefruit twist.
- Boulevardier: Bourbon swaps in for a deeper, richer edge.
- Negroni Sbagliato: Lightens things up with a bubbly Prosecco twist.
Explore more Negroni riffs here to find your perfect variation. There are plenty to choose from, so go forth and find your signature serve, bestie! Visit the Campari, Ancho Reyes, and Montelobos websites to stock up on Spicy Negroni essentials and remember to sign up for our tasty newsletter to stay in the mix.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Spicy Negroni combines Campari, mezcal, and chile liqueur in equal parts, stirred over ice and served with a citrus garnish.
Yes. Swapping in gin for mezcal takes the drink closer to the classic, but it won’t have the same smoky or fiery depth.
An orange twist is traditional but adding a red chilli pepper as garnish highlights the drink’s spicy character.
The alcohol strength is about the same. What makes the Spicy Negroni feel bolder is the heat from the chile liqueur layered over the smoky mezcal.
