45 Cocktails that are better than a Negroni
I recommend every cocktail on this list over a negroni, which is the default choice of beanie-wearing cocktail posers and other associated 95-115 IQ dullards globally. Drink one only if you're in Italy.
Beyond this I have a star-based rating system for drinks of exceptional quality.
No star = Better than a Negroni
* = Memorable among this cohort
** = Has at one point been my favourite cocktail
*** = One of the principal accomplishments of the craft
I experienced most of these for the first time via The Spirits by Richard Godwin, which is my bible for simple cocktail recipes. For each of these, I have tried to find the closest equivalent publicly available version. However, in some cases the recipe is only in the book, so you'll just have to pick up a copy.
Listed in no particular order.
Recipe: IBA
A negroni but with Bourbon instead of gin. Balances much better and is a superior drink.
Recipe: IBA
Really fun pink crowdpleaser. Not sure what the French Vermouth is doing in there but I'm sure it's something because this tastes great.
Recipe: IBA
Really simple and refreshing, makes you feel like a southern gent too. Worth the crushed ice.
Recipe: The Spirits by Richard Godwin
Liquid combination of maple syrup and bacon-washed Bourbon create a unique mouthfeel and flavour profile.
Recipe: The Spirits by Richard Godwin
For something that's so fruity this comes out really interesting and sophisticated. It's hard to explain without trying it.
Recipe: Wikipedia
Really interesting and sophisticated as a result of inverting the typical mix of ABVs.
Recipe: Drinks World
So manly. Slap it together in a glass with brutality and abandon and you'll impress your younger male compadres.
Recipe: Difford's Guide — calls for Strucchi, but any white/French vermouth works.
Just lovely and delicate. Floral, and doesn't hang heavy in the mouth.
Recipe: Stay at Home Cocktails
Utterly weird and its own thing. I like it for combining two weird Italian liqueurs in one glass.
Recipe: Imbibe Magazine
Do it with all the trimmings and it sings. A standout among very old cocktails.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
There's something very simple and pleasurable about the older style of cocktails that this hits nicely.
Recipe: Liquor.com
I return to this endlessly. The perfect stirred drink. Sophisticated and broody while being sweet and fun. A real delight.
Recipe: The Spirits by Richard Godwin
One of those ones where you're just like, "damn that's tasty!". People who don't like cocktails tend to like this.
Recipe: IBA
Highest quality-to-effort ratio you'll find. Two shelf stable ingredients stirred in a tumbler, no fuss and all flavour.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
Just use a normal sour recipe, but go 50/50 Amaretto and Brandy for the best effect. Punchy and fun.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
Combines two fun things I like: Crushed ice and 19th century recipe. It's lindy!
Recipe: Difford's Guide
When you nail it, it's the best drink in the world, but it's temperamental and hard to nail. I've had one transcendent evening with it where I was taken to heaven, but haven't replicated the experience since.
Recipe: Liquor.com
One of those drinks that just snuck up on me while taste testing. The recipe looks like filler but it's actually killer.
Recipe: Liquor.com — use the shaken variation.
Worth the longer strain time. Great simple summer drink. You can use Bacardi for the rum, nothing fancy.
Recipe: Imbibe Magazine
Another weird one that's worth it. Don't be fooled by how disgusting this appears on paper.
Recipe: IBA
I would have a lot more after dinner mints if they added sugar and fat like a grasshopper does.
Recipe: Wikipedia
Just pure tasty. Crowdpleaser, especially for those who enjoy less challenging drinks.
Recipe: IBA
If I had a bar I would call it the Last Word, named for this wild wild monster of a cocktail. This is everything you want a shaken drink to be and more. It even has a cherry in it! I've made so many. It doesn't get better than this.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
Am I pretentious for preferring this over an espresso Martini? Probably, but I don't care. If you want an espresso martini, get this instead.
Recipe: The Spirits by Richard Godwin
Lovely dessert-style cocktail for dark Christmas evenings. Single cream is annoying to have in the fridge but it's worth it for this.
Recipe: The Spirits by Richard Godwin
One of the better 4-equal-parts Last Word-a-likes. I'm a sucker for creme de peche and apricot brandy though.
Recipe: IBA
A very well crafted knock-off Last Word that comes together intelligently.
Recipe: IBA
Let me lower my voice and just say this is a very special drink. The industry's craft is distilled into the penicillin. The whole cocktail movement has been building up to it. Beautifully balanced with delightful gingery smokey notes. Make it and cry.
Recipe: IBA
Pretty drink with all the foam, and smooth as anything as a result. Great to show off with.
Recipe: The Spirits by Richard Godwin
Generally I don't want my drinks too balanced because I'm a sensation hound but there's something about the way this neither over or underwhelms that's really curious.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
Bonkers and memorable drink. Some will tell you to dial back the Campari by subbing half for vodka. If you do this you are weak.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
I convince my friends to order this at cocktail bars when they think they want a margarita.
Recipe: IBA
I don't really go for martinis, but I think the Vesper is a great drink. The sweet Vermouth softens the stark nakedness of a classic martini.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
So dangerous. So tasty. You could make a bowl of this and make everyone at a party blackout drunk.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
Generic long drink but in only using 100ml of cola instead of the full 150ml mixer can you make something bordering sophistication. You're meant to stir it with a large knife.
Recipe: IBA
Better than a normal swizzle! I like the way it makes ice on the side of the wine glass. Very visually appealing and just as tasty.
Recipe: IBA
Sometimes you just want a big acidic drink to settle the stomach and that's exactly what this does. If you order it somewhere they don't use measures you'll wake up in a ditch.
Recipe: IBA
The estranged cousin of the Long Island Iced Tea, but more sophisticated as a result of the stranger ingredient set. Highly memorable.
Recipe: Difford's Guide
Please and stun your friends with this meme drink. Lovely way to finish a random half bottle of prosecco with a few friends.
Recipe: IBA
Really flies once the weather hits 30 degrees. Drink it with your top off at night on a metal chair. Very good drink in worse weather in the day too.