How it tastes
Bitter on first sip, sweet underneath, juniper in the body. The orange peel oils sit on top of the glass and hit the nose every time you bring the drink up. As the ice melts, the bitterness softens and the sweetness opens up. The third or fourth sip is usually the most interesting one. Built to be drunk slow.
Why it's on our menu
The Negroni doesn't need a defence. It's one of the great cocktails for a reason. We pour it as a classic, no twist. (For the twist, see our Scented Negroni with kaffir lime and dark chocolate.)
Where to drink it
On the menu at Dissolved Solids, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. Best as the first drink of the night. Reserve a table for the easiest seat.
Frequently asked questions
What glass is the Negroni served in?
A rocks glass (also called an old fashioned glass), short and heavy-bottomed, with a single large ice cube. The big rock dilutes slowly so the drink stays bitter and concentrated across the time it takes to drink it. Coupes and Nick & Nora glasses are not traditional for a Negroni; the rocks-and-rock format is the canonical one.
Can I substitute the gin in a Negroni?
Yes, and the swap creates a whole family. Whisky gives you a Boulevardier. Mezcal gives you a Mezcal Negroni with smoke on top. Prosecco gives you a Negroni Sbagliato, lower in ABV. White gin (genever) gives you a softer, maltier drink. The Campari and red vermouth are the structural part; the third spirit is the variable.
How strong is a Negroni?
Around 24 to 28 percent ABV in the glass before ice melt, dropping to about 20 to 22 percent as the single large rock dilutes through the drink. Roughly the same kick as a Martini, but you sip it slower because the bitterness makes you. One Negroni is a real drink; two is a commitment.
Where can I order a Negroni in PJ or KL?
At Dissolved Solids in Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya (43-1 Jalan SS20/11, Tue to Sun 15:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-4008 7607) and at Soluble Solids in SS2, Petaling Jaya (50-1 Jalan SS2/24, Wed to Sun 18:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-1682 8651). Both bars are listed in Tatler Asia Top 20 Bars 2025/26. We pour the classic equal-parts build over a single rock.
What food pairs with a Negroni?
Cured meats and aged cheeses are the classical pairing: prosciutto, salami, parmigiano. The Campari's bitterness cuts through fat and salt. Olives, anchovies, taralli all work too. For Malaysian context, a Negroni stands up to chargrilled satay or sambal-glazed yakitori. Skip dessert pairings; the bitterness fights anything sweet.