If you’re someone who loves exploring a city’s cocktail scene while traveling—or even if you just enjoy mixing up drinks in the comfort of your own home—this one’s for you. Paris is a city that oozes creativity in every corner, and its cocktail bars are no exception. One standout bar on the international cocktail map is Little Red Door, known for pushing the boundaries of classic cocktails and experimenting with fresh, innovative ingredients. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, don’t miss our guide on Uncovering Paris’ 5 Best Cocktail Bars to explore more must-visit spots.” But even if you’re miles away from Paris, you can replicate a bit of that creative magic at home with a twist on the classic Negroni, a drink that stays true to the bold, complex flavors Little Red Door is famous for.
Ready to bring a taste of Parisian cocktail culture to your home bar? Let’s dive into how you can craft a Negroni variation that captures the essence of Little Red Door.
Little Red Door: A Cocktail Destination Like No Other
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why Little Red Door is such a special place. Located in the vibrant Marais district of Paris, this bar doesn’t just serve drinks—it tells stories through cocktails. Each drink is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using ingredients that elevate the experience and push the boundaries of traditional mixology. Their menu is as much about the ingredients as it is about creating an emotional connection to the drink. You won’t just be handed a cocktail; you’ll be handed an experience.
This philosophy is perfect to keep in mind when making your own cocktails at home. With just a bit of creativity, even the most classic cocktail can be transformed into something memorable. And that’s where our Negroni variation comes into play.
The Classic Negroni
Before we dive into the variation, let’s talk about the original Negroni—a staple in any cocktail lover’s repertoire. Originating from Italy, this classic is known for its perfect balance of three simple ingredients:
- Gin: The heart of the Negroni. It adds a sharp botanical edge to the cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth: This rich, slightly sweet fortified wine gives the drink its depth.
- Campari: The bitter, bright red Italian liqueur that defines the Negroni, offering a bold bitterness that plays beautifully against the other ingredients.
In a traditional Negroni, you simply mix equal parts of each ingredient and serve it over ice, garnished with an orange twist. It’s a drink that’s as easy to make as it is to sip. But what makes the Negroni truly exciting is its versatility.
A Little Red Door-Inspired Negroni Variation
Now, imagine taking that classic Negroni and giving it a Little Red Door twist. At this Parisian bar, they’re known for playing with unexpected flavors and making bold ingredient swaps that change the entire dynamic of a drink. To replicate that creative spirit at home, we’re swapping out one key ingredient in the classic Negroni—Campari—with something a bit more herbal and complex: Chartreuse.
Chartreuse is a French liqueur made by Carthusian monks, and it’s packed with a secret blend of 130 different herbs and botanicals. With its vibrant green hue and slightly sweet, spicy, and herbal profile, it adds a layer of complexity that takes the classic Negroni in a whole new direction.
Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Gin (we recommend a London Dry like Beefeater for its crisp, botanical punch)
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for richness)
- 1 oz Green Chartreuse (this will replace Campari for that herbal twist)
- Orange peel for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Fill your mixing glass with ice: Get a large, sturdy mixing glass and fill it halfway with ice. Using a good amount of ice helps chill the drink without watering it down.
- Add your gin: Pour 1 oz of your preferred gin into the mixing glass. The botanicals in gin are what give this cocktail its backbone, so opt for one that’s bold and flavorful.
- Pour in sweet vermouth: Add 1 oz of sweet vermouth. The vermouth provides balance and a bit of sweetness to the drink, offsetting the sharpness of the gin.
- Swap Campari for Chartreuse: Here’s where the magic happens. Instead of using the traditional 1 oz of Campari, you’ll pour in 1 oz of Green Chartreuse. This herbal liqueur will bring an entirely new dimension to your Negroni, with a more complex, layered flavor profile.
- Stir, don’t shake: Using a long bar spoon, stir the mixture for about 30 seconds. This allows the ingredients to mix and chill without introducing too much dilution.
- Strain and serve: Strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with a fresh, large ice cube. A large cube melts slower, keeping your drink chilled longer without diluting the bold flavors.
- Garnish with orange peel: Take a wide strip of orange peel, express the oils over the drink by twisting it gently, and then drop it into the glass. This adds a bright citrus aroma that pairs beautifully with the herbal notes of Chartreuse.
Why This Variation Works
This Negroni variation is all about balance. The gin still brings that crisp, botanical bite, while the sweet vermouth adds a velvety smoothness. The real star of the show, though, is the Chartreuse. Swapping out the bitter Campari for the herbal complexity of Chartreuse transforms the cocktail into something unique. It’s still a Negroni, but with an earthy, aromatic twist that makes it feel like a brand-new drink.
In the spirit of Little Red Door, this variation invites you to experiment, pushing the boundaries of what you might expect from a classic cocktail. Just like the bar, it’s not about completely reinventing the wheel—it’s about subtle tweaks that elevate the drink into something special.
Tips for Perfecting Your Negroni Variation
While this recipe is simple, here are a few pro tips to ensure you nail it every time:
- Use high-quality ingredients: With only three main ingredients, each one really matters. A premium gin and vermouth can make a world of difference.
- Control the dilution: Stirring the cocktail with ice is important to chill it properly, but be mindful of not over-stirring. Too much water can dilute the bold flavors you’re after.
- Experiment with proportions: The beauty of the Negroni is its flexibility. If you want a slightly less boozy drink, reduce the gin to ¾ oz and up the vermouth to 1¼ oz. If you prefer a stronger herbal kick, add a little extra Chartreuse.
A Taste of Paris at Home
Whether you’ve had the pleasure of sipping cocktails at Little Red Door or you’re dreaming of visiting one day, this Negroni variation is a perfect way to bring a little piece of Paris into your home bar. With its bold flavors and creative twist, it captures the essence of what makes this legendary bar so beloved.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a cocktail that’s both familiar and adventurous, mix up this Little Red Door-inspired Negroni. It’s simple enough for beginners, but with enough complexity to satisfy even the most seasoned cocktail connoisseurs.
Now it’s your turn to shake things up—try this Negroni variation and discover how a small tweak can make a big impact on your cocktail game.