Sloegroni

The Sloegroni is a rich, berry-forward twist on the classic Negroni. With Humdinger Dry Gin as the backbone, it keeps the structure crisp and juniper-led, while Humdinger Sloe Gin adds depth, fruit, and natural sweetness. Balanced with bitters and sweet vermouth, and lifted by a spray of fresh orange oils, it’s a softer, more rounded take on Italy’s most iconic aperitivo.

Cocktail Ingredients

• 30ml Humdinger Dry Gin

• 20ml Humdinger Sloe Gin

• 20ml Campari or Select Aperitivo

• 20ml sweet vermouth

• 1 large ice cube

• Orange peel

Cocktail Method

1. Add the Dry Gin, Sloe Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari (or Select Aperitivo) to a mixing glass with ice.

2. Stir until well chilled and silky.

3. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.

4. Express the orange peel over the top, rub it around the edge of the glass, and drop in or discard.

Flavour Profile

• With Campari: A bold Sloegroni — sharp bittersweet orange and herbal depth, cut through with bright juniper and softened by berry sweetness.

• With Select Bitters: Venetian-style — smoother, fruitier, and more rounded, allowing the sloe berries to shine against a softer citrus bitterness.

The Dry Gin gives structure and balance, while the Sloe Gin adds lush berry character that softens the bitter edges for a longer, more approachable finish.

Why Dry Gin First?

The crisp juniper-citrus profile of Humdinger Dry Gin ensures the cocktail still feels like a Negroni at its core. Adding Sloe Gin creates a unique Geraldine twist — fruit-driven, layered, and perfectly balanced between sweet and bitter.

Recommended Gin Choices

• Humdinger Dry Gin for the backbone of a true Negroni style

• Humdinger Sloe Gin to add rich berry depth and balance

A Little History

The Sloegroni is a modern favourite, born from bartenders experimenting with gin’s most beloved cocktail. By blending classic London Dry structure with the sweet, fruit-rich tradition of sloe gin, it creates a variation that’s both familiar and fresh — perfectly suited to New Zealand’s long summer evenings and crisp autumn nights.

Variations

• Classic Negroni: Stick to equal parts Dry Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

• White Negroni: Swap Campari for Suze (or another gentian aperitif) and use a dry, floral vermouth.

• Negroni Sbagliato: Replace gin with sparkling wine and build over ice for a bubbly, lower-ABV riff.

• Boulevardier: Replace gin with bourbon or rye for a whiskey-forward cousin.

Serving Tip

Use a big, clear ice cube to slow dilution and keep the texture silky. Expressing and rubbing the orange peel around the rim enhances aroma and ties together the berry, citrus, and bitter elements in every sip.

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