Taste Test: Ready-To-Drink Negronis

In an era of rapidly expanding options in the canned cocktail aisle, the Negroni, with its simple equal-parts build, has become a go-to. And while Negroni Week (September 18-24) marks the best time of year to visit your favorite bar—or a new one!—to order the cocktail in support of Slow Food, quality ready-to-drink Negronis make it enjoyable anytime, anywhere, all year round. From industry stalwarts to indie brands, makers are increasingly offering their own interpretation in cans and bottles.

Straightaway Negroni

Straightaway’s in-house liqueurs and vermouths lend a hand to most of their RTD beverages, including their bottled Negroni. The herbaceously bitter drink has a bold body that’s complemented by balsamic and spearmint notes on the nose, with complex tannic attributes in place of the typical red bitter flavors. This one is best enjoyed over a big ice cube. $49.95/750 ml, straightawaycocktails.com

Tip Top

Tip Top’s tastefully bold branding is as pleasing as its miniature-sized cocktails, making the experience of sipping from a can at home (or by the campfire) both enjoyable and convenient. Their Negroni cocktail has a bright, cherry-like character, with citrus and mint on the nose and a clean, crisp finish. Its light body makes this one easy to drink without ice—perfect for on-the-go cocktail hour. $39.99/8-pack, tiptopcocktails.com

Cappelletti Negroni Insorti

Italy’s Cappelletti, best known for its red bitter Aperitivo, introduces a wine-inspired take with their Negroni Insorti (“insurgents”) cocktail. Rather than blend the cocktail’s typical gin-vermouth-bitter components, Cappelletti infuses a range of Negroni-inspired botanicals (such as gentian, wormwood, and citrus peel) into a wine base. The intentional style results in a softly sweet and bright-tasting drink, with flavors reminiscent of cherry brandy. $24.50/750 ml, bittersandbottles.com

St. Agrestis Negroni

Brooklyn-based St. Agrestis uses their own Inferno red bitter aperitivo for their Negroni, which comes in petite 100-ml bottles. Combined with a house-made Torino-style vermouth and Greenhook Gin, the New York–spirited product is reminiscent of red candy straws, with a light body and lingering bitter finish. $24.99/4-pack, stagrestis.com

La Perla Negroni Classico

Washington, D.C.–based Don Ciccio & Figli bring their Italian heritage stateside through their liqueur line, using family-sourced recipes that date back to the late 1800s. Their red Luna Aperitivo contributes herbaceous, earthy notes of cola and pine to their bottled Negroni, complemented by a light touch of anise. This straightforward approach to a Negroni is an ideal entry-level version for those new to the cocktail. $35/750 ml, donciccioefigli.com

Campari Negroni

Campari’s own bottled product is the no-nonsense version of a truly traditional Negroni, with a crimson color highlighting its expectedly authentic flavors. With notes of baked cherry and a lingering finish, Campari’s rendition is simple and uncomplicated in the best way possible. Just pour over a large ice cube and add an orange slice. $22.99/375 ml, reservebar.com