Go Back
Zero Proof Negroni Recipe

Zero Proof Negroni Recipe

Enjoy a bold, bitter-sweet Zero-Proof Negroni with real cocktail depth and zero alcohol
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 glass
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For One Glass
  • 35 ml zero-proof bitter aperitif
  • OR 25 ml homemade bitter syrup
  • 30 ml zero-proof gin alternative
  • botanical tonic concentrate works too
  • 20 –25 ml non-alcoholic sweet-style vermouth substitute
  • 1 strip fresh orange peel
  • Ice cubes
Optional adjusters (tiny amounts — only if needed)
  • 1 tsp cranberry juice — adds color + tart bite
  • 1 –2 drops zero-proof aromatic bitters
  • very tiny pinch sea salt — trust me flavor pops
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp sugar or jaggery
  • 1 strip orange peel
  • 1 small clove crushed
  • tiny pinch cinnamon
  • tiny pinch cocoa powder optional but magical

Equipment

  • Mixing glass or any sturdy glass
  • Stirring spoon (long if possible)
  • Measuring jigger — or tablespoons
  • Ice cubes
  • Short rocks glass (classic Negroni vibes)

Method
 

Step 1 — Ice First
  1. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
  2. A handful. Not just one cube.
  3. I usually swirl the glass a second.
  4. Don’t know why — just feels like part of the ritual.
Step 2 — Add the Bitter Base
  1. Pour in:
  2. 35 ml zero-proof aperitif
  3. (or 25 ml homemade bitter syrup)
  4. The smell hits first — citrus… herbal… slightly sharp.
  5. It already feels like evening.
Step 3 — Add Botanical Backbone
  1. Add:
  2. 30 ml zero-proof gin alternative
  3. This gives structure — that “grown-up” mouthfeel.
  4. Not sweet. Not timid.
  5. Just… composed.
Step 4 — A Soft Sweet Edge
  1. Add:
  2. 20–25 ml NA vermouth substitute
  3. Taste?
  4. A tiny whisper sweet — but ice + time smooths it out.
  5. Sometimes I taste and mutter to the glass like…
  6. “Okay… we’re close… chill.”
  7. Yes — I talk to drinks. Don’t judge
Step 5 — Stir… Slow… Calm
  1. This isn’t a shaker drink.
  2. Stir gently.
  3. 10… 12… quiet circles.
  4. Condensation rolls down the glass.
  5. Tiny pause moment.
  6. Feels like the day is exhaling.
Step 6 — Strain Into Rocks Glass
  1. Short glass.
  2. Chunky ice cube if you’ve got one.
  3. If not — regular ice is fine.
  4. We’re human here.
Step 7 — Orange Peel Finish
  1. Take a strip — squeeze lightly.
  2. Those oils bloom out… perfume-like.
  3. Rub along the rim. Drop inside.
  4. Now sip.
  5. Bitter. Clean. Slightly sweet.
  6. Your brain goes: Yep… that’s a Negroni mood.
  7. Without the fuzz.