Negroni
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, autumn really is my favorite time of year. Ignoring the fantastic weather change, the seasonal flavors, even the spectacular-ness that is spiced everything, one of the things that I really like about it is the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. There are a multitude of parties, gatherings and excuses to meet with not just friends, but family, co-workers and anyone you enjoy visiting. Those times call for a classic cocktail and one of my favorites is the Negroni.
For all of you gin lovers out there, you probably already know of the greatness that is the Negroni. For those of you who don’t fancy gin, well, this is another cocktail for you to try.
As many fantastic and classic recipes tend to be, the Negroni is an exercise in simplicity. With only three ingredients plus one garnish, you shouldn’t skimp on any of them, as that one will stand out poorly.
This is the tricky bit, it’s one part Campari, one part sweet vermouth and one part gin. Garnish those three beauties with an orange peel and you’re golden.
As this is a gin-forward cocktail, a classic and one you (should) get when you’re out celebrating with friends, you’re going to want a quality gin. This isn’t the time to cut corners. Luckily, our friends over at Atelier Vie sent us some of their tasty American-style Euphrosine Gin #9, so we were set there.
Then it was about collecting the Campari and sweet vermouth — a tough job, but we were up to it.
With the Campari and juniper from the gin, this is a slightly bitter cocktail typically people have as an apéritif (getting you ready for some food!). That also means it’s an ideal cocktail to have while you’re mingling at a holiday party and snacking on passed hors d’oeuvres. Plus, with its rich red appearance, it’s also festive looking.
Gets you ready for food, looks good at parties, is festive, is an easy recipe to remember (1:1:1) — yup, the Negroni really is a great cocktail for you at a party.
Now, let’s get to the recipe proper!
- 1½ oz. gin
- 1½ oz. Campari
- 1½ oz. sweet vermouth
- Orange peel
- Glass type: old fashioned
- Put all of your liquids into your cocktail mixing glass with ice.
- Stir.
- Give it a good 40 seconds of stirring.
- Gotta make sure it's cold.
- Place ice into your old-fashioned glass.
- Pour your stirred cocktail in there.
- Garnish with orange peel.
- Savor the flavor.