Italian Cocktails
Cardinale
The short answer
The Cardinale is a dry, crisp variation of the Negroni that replaces sweet vermouth with dry vermouth. This simple swap creates a more bitter, aromatic cocktail with a distinctively sharp profile, garnished with a lemon twist.
- Style
- Dry, bitter, 26% ABV
- Glass
- Rocks glass
- Strength
- Approximately 26%
Where it comes from
This cocktail is often associated with mid-20th century Rome. The drink is said to have been enjoyed as a drier alternative to the Negroni, with the swap of sweet vermouth for dry vermouth creating a lighter-bodied aperitivo.
What you need
- 30 ml (1 oz) Gin
- 30 ml (1 oz) Campari
- 30 ml (1 oz) Dry vermouth
- Lemon twist for garnish
How Larry builds it
- 01
Combine. Add the gin, Campari, and dry vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- 02
Stir. Stir the mixture for about 20 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
- 03
Strain and Garnish. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.
Larry’s rule: A Negroni that skipped dessert.
Variations worth making
White Cardinale
Swap Campari for a clear bitter aperitivo (such as Luxardo Bitter Bianco) and use a floral gin for a completely different aesthetic and flavor.
Mezcal Cardinale
Replace the gin with mezcal for an earthy, smoky undertone that pairs well with the dry vermouth and Campari.
Questions people ask
How does a Cardinale differ from a Negroni?
The key difference is the use of dry vermouth instead of the sweet red vermouth found in a Negroni, making the Cardinale less sweet and more herbal.
Should this drink be shaken?
No. Like a Negroni, a Cardinale is built entirely from spirits and should be stirred to achieve a silky texture and perfect clarity.
What is the best gin for a Cardinale?
A classic London Dry gin with a strong juniper backbone works best to stand up to the bitter Campari and aromatic vermouth.
Can it be served 'up' instead of on the rocks?
While most commonly served over a large ice cube, it is also excellent when served 'up' in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
What to eat with it
Mix it like Larry
The shakers, jiggers and glasses behind this drink.
Mixology 15-Piece Bartender Kit with StandView on Amazon →
BARE BARREL 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker SetView on Amazon →
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set with StandView on Amazon →
Japanese-Style Double Jiggers, 2-PackView on Amazon →
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Order Cardinale with sausage and peppers at the spots on Larry’s lists:
More from Italian Cocktails
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