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

My Roman Story: Katie Parla on Rome’s Food and Spirit

Food writer Katie Parla reflects on how one trip to Rome grew into a decades-long exploration of its flavors and heart.

November 12, 2025

The Roman Classic: Gnocchi al Ragù

This Roman gnocchi al ragù, adapted from Rome: A Culinary History, Cookbook, and Field Guide to the Flavors that Built a City by Katie Parla, brings Thursday tradition to your table.

November 11, 2025

Inside the Launch Party for Italy Segreta’s Tavola Issue

The bash held at Felice on Hudson in NYC featured a multi-course menu of Tuscan-inspired dishes—and a killer gift bag.

November 11, 2025

Appetito Hosts Brunch at CICCIO Cincin in NYC’s West Village

Appetito brought the crowd to CICCIO Cincin in NYC to enjoy their unique brunch offerings of Italian, Asian and American flavors.

November 10, 2025

Mi Amo Amaro: The Soul of Italy in a Glass

Across Venice, Tuscany, and Sicily, a quest to understand amaro uncovers the history, craft, and heart of Italy’s bittersweet tradition.

November 10, 2025
See all posts