Enzoni

The Enzoni is a fresh and bittersweet gin cocktail that bridges the gap between a Negroni and a sour. Made with muddled grapes, Campari, and lemon, it balances herbal, tart, and slightly sweet notes for a modern twist on an Italian-inspired classic.

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Tasting Notes

The Enzoni balances bold and fresh elements in each sip. Muddled green grapes bring a clean, fruit-forward note, while lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. Campari introduces a bitter, herbal edge that’s softened by the simple syrup and rounded out by the botanicals in gin. The result is a drink that moves from crisp citrus to slightly bitter, with soft grape flavor throughout. It’s refreshing, structured, and layered without being overly strong or sweet. Garnished with grapes, it looks polished and tastes well-balanced ideal for fans of fruit-driven cocktails with a hint of complexity and a clean finish.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare the Enzoni, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, citrus squeezer, and muddler. A fine mesh strainer is useful for removing grape skins and pulp when pouring into the serving glass. A bar spoon can help adjust the garnish or stir gently if needed. Use a rocks glass filled with fresh ice for serving, as it holds the drink’s volume and showcases the color. A small paring knife is helpful for preparing the grape garnish. With minimal tools and fresh ingredients, this cocktail is simple to build but delivers layered flavor with just a few thoughtful steps.

Ingredients

• 8 seedless green grapes
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Garnish: Green grapes

Instructions

• Place 5 grapes in a cocktail shaker and muddle thoroughly.
• Add lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and Campari.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
• Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
• Strain the drink into the glass using a fine strainer.
• Garnish with a few skewered grapes.

Pro Tips

• Use ripe, seedless grapes for the best texture and sweetness
• Muddle firmly but not too hard to avoid bitterness from skins
• Shake well to fully mix and chill the drink
• Double strain to remove grape solids for a smoother pour
• Fresh lemon juice gives the drink its brightness—avoid bottled juice
• Use a dry gin to balance the fruit and bitter elements
• Adjust syrup slightly if using sweeter grapes
• Garnish with skewered grapes or float a few directly in the drink

When to Serve

The Enzoni is well suited for spring and summer, especially in the early evening or as an aperitif. Its crisp fruit flavor and balance of bitterness make it ideal for warm-weather sipping. It’s a strong option for cocktail hours or dinner parties when you want something light and refined without being too sweet or heavy. Serve it with small bites or charcuterie, or simply on its own for guests who enjoy citrus-forward drinks with a touch of herbal character. Its bright color and fresh garnish also make it visually appealing for casual or semi-formal gatherings.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin

• Tanqueray
• Bombay Sapphire
• Beefeater
• Plymouth Gin

Bitter Aperitif

• Campari

Similar Cocktails

• Matcha Gin Sour
• Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze
• Cucumber and Rose Collins
• Strawberry Southside
• Aperol Fizz