Espresso Cream Negroni

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An invigorating twist on the traditional Negroni, combining bitter gin and Campari with rich espresso and creamy texture. This recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, brings together gin, Campari, sweet vermouth for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brew 1 oz fresh hot espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Step 5: Slowly layer 1 oz espresso over the back of a spoon to float on top of the cocktail.
  6. Step 6: Lightly whip 1/2 oz heavy cream until just thickened and gently pour over the espresso layer to create a creamy cap.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with a single coffee bean resting on the cream surface.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Espresso Cream Negroni take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Espresso Cream Negroni?

Refrigerate any leftover espresso cream negroni in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Espresso Cream Negroni?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Espresso Cream Negroni for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Espresso Cream Negroni?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.