What is a Chocolate Negroni?

chocolate negroni in rocks glass with orange twist

A Chocolate Negroni is an inventive twist on the legendary Negroni, swapping in cocoa flavors to transform the cocktail into a dessert-worthy drink. The original Negroni balances gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari with equal precision—each bringing bitterness, botanicals, and gentle sweetness. Adding chocolate nudges this classic in a richer, rounder direction while preserving its iconic bitter edge.

How Does Chocolate Work in a Negroni?

Chocolate’s toasty, earthy notes latch perfectly onto the complexity of Campari’s bitters and the gentle spice from red vermouth. Adding a chocolate ingredient—whether a dark chocolate liqueur, infused vermouth, or a hint of cocoa nibs—can deepen the Negroni, giving it dessert cocktail appeal without overwhelming the drink’s structure. The goal is not to create a sugary chocolate martini, but to introduce a subtle, velvety cocoa thread that rounds out the drink’s bitterness.

Chocolate Negroni Recipe (Classic Build)

30 ml dry gin
30 ml sweet vermouth (try a cacao-infused or richer style if available)
30 ml Campari
10 ml dark crème de cacao (or a chocolate liqueur, not too sweet)
Orange twist (for garnish)

How to Make a Chocolate Negroni

Add 30 ml gin, 30 ml sweet vermouth, 30 ml Campari, and 10 ml crème de cacao to a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
Stir well until thoroughly chilled and diluted (about 20 seconds).
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the orange twist over the drink, rim the glass, and drop it in as garnish.

stirring chocolate negroni in mixing glass

Chocolate Negroni Variations and Dessert Pairings

This twist invites endless riffing—swap in spiced gin for extra warmth, or dial up the chocolate with a richer liqueur or even a few drops of cocoa bitters. For a more intense dessert style, garnish with a dark chocolate square balanced on the rim, or macerate a barspoon of cocoa nibs with the vermouth before stirring.

Try pairing the cocktail with a flourless chocolate cake or salted caramels to emphasize the interplay between bitter, sweet, and deep toasted flavors.
Serve after dinner in place of a classic digestive—its balance of botanicals and subtle cocoa makes for a surprisingly elegant finale.
Garnishes like candied orange peel, chocolate shavings, or a few whole cocoa nibs offer tempting flourishes without turning the drink into dessert in a glass.

chocolate negroni with dark chocolate garnish

Expert Tips for a Balanced Chocolate Negroni

Don’t overdo the chocolate—10 ml is enough to bring cocoa depth without masking the base spirits.
If you can source a chocolate-infused vermouth or a specialty bitters, these offer elegant cocoa notes with less sugar than liqueurs.
Keep dilution in check—Negronis are stirred, not shaken, to preserve texture and clarity.
A single large ice cube is ideal for slow sipping without excessive water.