Drinki

One idea, four drinks

Six bottles, one ratio: the Negroni family

Equal parts bitter, sweet and strong. Learn the ratio once and then change one of the three — the whole family is the same drink wearing different clothes, and it is the fastest way to understand how cocktails are built.

Total cocktails possible

4 cocktails

from these 6 bottles, with nothing else on the shelf · 3 of 7 styles · 5 more are one ingredient away

Build my own shelf

The list

  1. Campari

    The constant. Every drink in this family is built around it, and nothing else substitutes convincingly.

    Unlocks here: Americano, Boulevardier, Negroni, Negroni Sbagliato

  2. Sweet vermouth

    The sweet third. Also the one most people are drinking stale — it is wine, so refrigerate it.

    Unlocks here: Americano, Boulevardier, Negroni, Negroni Sbagliato

  3. Gin

    The strong third, and the original. Juniper against bitter orange is the whole point of the drink.

    Unlocks here: Negroni

  4. Bourbon

    Swap it in for the gin and the drink changes name. Rounder, sweeter, better in winter.

    Unlocks here: Boulevardier

  5. Prosecco

    Swap it in instead and the drink gets longer and lighter. Brut, not extra dry.

    Unlocks here: Negroni Sbagliato

  6. Soda water

    The third swap, and the lightest of the four. Long, low-strength and the one to make at lunch.

    Unlocks here: Americano

What is deliberately not here

A shortlist is only honest if it says what it left out and what that costs. These figures are worked out from the recipes, not guessed.

Who chose this

Charlie Tyler — Editor, Drinki
Compiled and checked against every recipe on the site.

Drinki’s own pick. Nobody has paid for a place on this list, no brand or bartender has endorsed it, and no specific products are recommended here.

Counts last checked .

Other lists