We are so excited to share what we consider to be a fun but sophisticated cocktail the Negroni. While we were planning some menu ideas of a romantic Valentine’s evening at home, we kept coming back to the Negroni as it is one of our go-to cocktail choices. Then we decided to make a fun video to show you just how easy it is to make this classic cocktail at home.
What is a Negroni? A little history on this delicious classic is that it was invented in Florence, Italy, around 1919 in a little cafe called Caffee Casoni. Count Negroni asked the bartender to make his favorite cocktail the Americano a bit stronger by adding some gin to replace the soda water. After adding a garnish of orange instead of the traditional lemon twist it was declared the Negroni.
Denise remembers enjoying her first Negroni in Florence in the early 90s unfortunately it was not at the Caffee Casoni but it was still something to remember. Slightly bitter as well as refreshing and it felt like such a grown-up cocktail.
The bitterness comes from using Campari which is an alcoholic liqueur that is made from an infusion of herbs and fruit such as chin otto and cascarilla. The vermouth and gin smooth out the bitterness creating a cocktail that is meant to be sipped and enjoyed as an aperitif. A Negroni can be served straight up or on the rocks, which is how we prefer it.
Some fun variations of the Negroni that are worth enjoying:
- Americano: 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet red vermouth, a splash of soda
- Cardinale: uses dry vermouth in place of sweet vermouth.
- Boulevardier: uses whiskey in place of gin.
- Tegroni: uses tequila in place of gin.
- Fergroni: uses Punt e Mes vermouth.
- White Negroni: gin, Lillet blanc, and Suze.
Tips:
- Chill the cocktail glass at least 5 minutes before making.
- Stir this cocktail, do not shake it.
Tools:
- Mixing Glass with cocktail stirrer
- Fancy cocktail glass
- Knife to make garnish
- Recipe: Negroni
Recipe: Negroni
** serves one
Ingredients:
1-ounce Campari
1-ounce gin
1-ounce vermouth
orange strip for garnish
ice
How To:
Fill a cocktail glass with ice, and let chill for 5 minutes.
Dump out the ice.
Add the Campari, gin, and vermouth to the chilled glass, along with a handful of ice.
Stir.
Garnish with an orange strip.
Serve.
Drink.
Louise
Thursday 6th of February 2014
Made with sweet vermouth? That would be a nice counterbalance to the bitter-ish Campari.
Brooks
Thursday 6th of February 2014
I'm intrigued by the history of this great-looking cocktail, especially with its across-the-seasons appeal. Typically a beer and wine guy, I've pinned this for when it's time to break out the shot glass and tumblers. Cheers!
Paula - bell'alimento
Thursday 6th of February 2014
One of my favorites too!