Paul Kushner
The Negroni is a well-known cocktail that is cherished all over the world. It is a favorite among many due to its flawless balance of powerful, bitter, and sweet flavors. Being a bartender, I enjoy suggesting Negronis because they’re more than simply a beverage; they’re an experience. It was originally developed in Italy, and its flavor will take you back there with its rich history. Let’s explore what makes a Negroni unique.
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Tasting Notes
A Negroni is a wonderful combination of sweet and bitter flavors. Campari, a well-known Italian liqueur, provides the sharpness, and vermouth provides the sweetness. Everything comes together thanks to the gin’s robust botanical flavor. This beverage stands out for its deep crimson hue and frequently has an orange slice or peel on top to add a hint of citrus flavor.
Equipment and Glassware
A bar spoon for stirring, a strainer, and a mixing glass are the essentials for making a Negroni. Regarding glassware, an old-fashioned glass, sometimes referred to as a rocks glass, is typically used to serve Negronis. The robust, powerful tastes of the Negroni pair well with this kind of glass.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. of gin
- 1 oz. of Campari
- 1 oz. of sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over the ice.
- Stir well for about 30 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
- Strain the drink into an old-fashioned glass filled with large ice cubes.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Pro Tips
- Stir it a little longer to gently dilute the drink for a smoother Negroni.
- Try a variety of gins to discover the ideal fit. Botanicals unique to each gin can alter the taste of the finished product.
- To produce a good, wide piece of orange peel for garnish, use a knife or a vegetable peeler. It significantly alters the appearance and aroma of the beverage.
When to Serve
A Negroni is a very versatile and anytime-of-day cocktail. It helps pique the appetite and is ideal as an aperitif before supper. However, it’s also a terrific way to unwind after a busy day or to have a get-together with friends. It is a favorite at every occasion thanks to its robust flavor character.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For the gin, Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire are good options because of their traditional tastes. Since Campari is a particular brand of bitter liqueur, there is really just one option. Brands like Martini & Rossi or Carpano Antica Formula are great options for sweet vermouth when creating a delectable Negroni.
Similar Cocktails
- Boulevardier: Swap the gin for bourbon for a warmer, sweeter twist.
- Americano: Replace Campari with Aperol for a lighter, less bitter version.
- Negroni Sbagliato: Use sparkling wine instead of gin for a bubbly variation.
- White Negroni: Substitute Campari and sweet vermouth with Suze and Lillet Blanc for a unique take.
- Old Pal: Switch the sweet vermouth for dry vermouth and use rye whiskey instead of gin for a dryer version.
History
Count Camillo Negroni created the Negroni in Italy in the 1920s. He instructed a bartender to substitute gin for soda water in his favorite beverage, the Americano, to make it stronger. To symbolize the new drink, the bartender also replaced the lemon garnish with an orange. The Negroni was created as a result, and it has remained a classic ever since.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Orange peel garnish
Instructions
- Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over the ice.
- Stir well for about 30 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
- Strain the drink into an old-fashioned glass filled with large ice cubes.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Notes
