Skip to Content
Recipes

How to Make a ‘Count Mario Tucci’ Negroni

Rosanna Scotto and Max Tucci with Negronis

One of the most legendary and celebrated cocktails in the world is the Italian Negroni. As noted in my entertaining/cookbook, The Delmonico Way: Sublime Entertaining & Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant that Made New York, my father, Mario Tucci, the famed restaurateur, first discovered the Negroni at Harry's Bar in Firenze. He insisted on having it Delmonico’s, and decades later, I insisted on having the cocktail in my book.

As legend has it, and as I write in the pages of my book, "The story of the Negroni began in 1919 at the Caffè Casoni in Florence. There’s no documented historical account, but it is believed by cocktailians that Count Camillo Negroni invented the drink when he ordered an Americano made with gin in place of the usual soda water from bartender Fosco Scarselli."

Legend also has it that when my father first met my mother, he served her a Negroni and said, “If she can stand up after a Negroni, she’s a keeper.” My father’s secrets for this cocktail are to serve it in a chilled balloon glass, garnish with an orange peel, and top it off with a superb vintage Champagne.

In the spirit of the Delmonico way, I give to you the recipe of the Mario Tucci Negroni. Cin-Cin and Salute!

How to Make a 'Count Mario Tucci' Negroni

How to Make a 'Count Mario Tucci' Negroni

Recipe by Max Tucci
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Recipes
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

1

minute
Cooking time

minutes

Ingredients

  • Ice cubes

  • 1 ounce 1 Campari

  • 1 ounce 1 gin

  • 1 ounce 1 sweet red vermouth

  • 1 1 orange peel twist

  • 1 ounce 1 (a splash) Champagne

Directions

  • Fill a frozen balloon glass with plenty of ice.
  • Pour Campari, gin, and vermouth over the ice cubes. Gently stir with a bar spoon.
  • Garnish with the orange twist.
  • Add a splash of Champagne and serve.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Why Sciacca May Be Sicily’s Next Great Food Destination

The team behind Vela Ristorante is helping introduce travelers to a different side of Sicily.

Peach and Basil Muffins That Taste Like Summer in Italy

Inspired by garden-fresh ingredients, these muffins offer a sweet and savory taste of the season.

June 16, 2026

Meet the Pasta Maker Feeding her Community Through Crisis

Leah Ferrazzani, owner of Ferrazzani’s Pasta & Market, on choosing connection over corporate growth and feeding Altadena after a wildfire.

June 16, 2026

The Italian Saying That Celebrates Leftovers

In Italy, some dishes are expected to improve simply by waiting.

June 15, 2026

Chicken Parmigiana Recipe Inspired by Italian Family Traditions

Crispy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this beloved Italian-American classic remains a favorite for good reason.

June 15, 2026
See all posts