A rum Negroni is a simple-to-make twist on the classic that is perfect for rum lovers. Dark, spiced rum pairs wonderfully with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth to make a cocktail you’ll love sipping!
If you’ve ever wondered whether rum works in a Negroni, I can confidently say it does—and beautifully so. This rum Negroni is one of my favorite twists on the classic, with dark rum adding subtle sweetness and gentle spice that soften the drink’s signature bitterness. The result is still bold and complex, but a little rounder and more approachable.
I especially love this version because the rum takes the edge off the Campari just enough, making it a great option if you’re Negroni-curious. And even if you’re firmly in the classic camp (I am, too), this variation feels familiar yet fresh. In testing, dark or spiced rum held up best, standing its ground against the sweet vermouth and bitter liqueur without getting lost.
Finished with a twist of orange peel, this three-ingredient cocktail really shines. Expressing the oils over the glass adds a bright citrus aroma that pulls everything together, and if you’re feeling fancy, torching the peel adds a little drama. It’s simple, balanced, and one of those drinks that proves a small swap can make a surprisingly big impact.
Negroni garnishes
While the undisputed garnish for a negroni is orange, you can get creative and present it in different ways. Here are a few ideas:
- A thin orange slice or wedge.
- A strip of orange peel, trimmed to make it look pretty, if you’d like.
- A dehydrated orange wheel.
- A long, curly orange peel twist.
- Or go for an orange peel rosette as we’ve shown in the pictures!
Do I need a big ice cube?
A large ice cube will melt slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting it. But if you only have smaller ice cubes, go ahead and use them instead. Avoid filling your glass with ice; just add 2 or 3 small cubes. These are the large ice cube molds that we use.
Rum Negroni Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 1 ounce dark rum
- ▢ 1 ounce Campari
- ▢ 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- ▢ Burnt orange peel (to serve)
Instructions
- Cut a long strip of orange peel with a vegetable peeler. Roll up the peel and then stick a cocktail skewer through it to hold it together. Use a lighter to singe the edges. (You can also cut a smaller strip of orange peel, singe it slightly, and drop it into the glass.) Burnt orange peel
- Fill a cocktail mixer half full with ice. Add the dark rum, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the cocktail mixer and stir until chilled. 1 ounce dark rum, 1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Place a large ice cube into a rocks glass and pour the rum negroni over the top.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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More negroni recipes
Negroni Recipe
Negroni Sbagliato
Mezcal Negroni (AKA Oaxacan Negroni or Mexican Negroni)
White Negroni
Rum Negroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Burnt orange peel , to serve
Instructions
- Cut a long strip of orange peel with a vegetable peeler. Roll up the peel and then stick a cocktail skewer through it to hold it together. Use a lighter to singe the edges. (You can also cut a smaller strip of orange peel, singe it slightly, and drop it into the glass.) Burnt orange peel
- Fill a cocktail mixer half full with ice. Add the dark rum, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the cocktail mixer and stir until chilled. 1 ounce dark rum, 1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Place a large ice cube into a rocks glass and pour the rum negroni over the top.
