Negroni vs Old Fashioned: the difference in taste
Whisky vs gin. Campari vs bitters. Sweet vermouth vs sugar. That’s what we’re really comparing in these two cocktails. Each does the same thing, but offers a very different flavour.
The Old Fashioned’s whisky base is all about those warming, lightly spiced notes with a creamy, sweetness that is balanced by a few drops of aromatic bitters. Next is the sugar.
From whisky to gin – the Negroni is better known for a herbal, citrus taste. Dry gin adds a strong flavour of bitter juniper berries and botanicals. Whilst the Campari balances out any sweetness with a zesty tang. Sweet vermouth then gives the drink its signature warm red colour.
The addition of Campari and vermouth strongly alter the flavour of the gin, unlike the bitters and sugar used in an Old Fashioned which only complement the whisky’s sweet, strong character. So if you’re looking for a drink that puts the spirit in the spotlight, it’s got to be an Old Fashioned. But if a symphony of flavours is more your thing than give a Negroni a go.
Cocktail variations
The Negroni and Old Fashioned have both been around longer than any of us. So unsurprisingly there’s a few variations of each. Many of which we regard to be classics of their own.
The most popular twists on a Negroni include swapping gin for Prosecco Spagliato style, or swapping Capari to Lillet Blanc for a White Negroni alternative. Our favourite is the Boulevardier, a whisky alternative that’s classic, rich and super simple to make with your favourite bottle of Ballantine’s.
When it comes to an Old Fashioned, there’s plenty of ways to make it your own. Swap sugar to honey, add extra orange with orange bitters or pop in some sweet vermouth to make a Rob Roy cocktail. We love a remix so obviously made one all on our own with apple cider, otherwise known as the Apple Cider Old Fashioned, perfect for summer evenings and Autumn nights.
Check out more Negroni variations and Old Fashioned variations in our rundown of the best.