‘The simpler, the better’ rings so true with the classic and uber-popular Negroni cocktail. Recently, I enjoyed a one, possibly two, to kick-off Negroni Week during a Zoom Masterclass hosted by Jamie Gordon of the infamous Dante NYC.
The Negroni – The History
The slightly bitter cocktail originated around 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni changed his mind at the last minute and ordered an Americano cocktail with gin instead of the traditional soda. The bemused bartender honoured the Count’s request and added an orange garnish instead of a lemon wedge—to distinguish the drink from the Americano. The Negroni is now one of the most famous classic cocktails in the world.
If you are not comfortable heading to a cocktail bar to try the delicious Negroni that are blowing up social media, I invite you to craft this cocktail in your home with these recipes.
Just the Facts!
The classic Negroni is three equal parts of Campari, Sweet Vermouth, and London Dry Gin. This combination results in that unique flavour with its signature slight bitterness.
Classic Negroni
1 oz. (30 ml) Campari
1 oz. (30 ml) Sweet Red Vermouth
1 oz. (30 ml) London Dry Gin
Pour all ingredients directly into a low tumbler filled with ice
Stir gently, and garnish with an orange slice
***
Dante NYC Chocolate Negroni
1 oz. (30 ml) Gin
0.75 oz. (20 ml) Cinzano Rosso
0.75 oz. (20 ml) Campari
0.75 oz. (7 ml) Tempus Fugit dark crème de cacao
3 dashes TBT chocolate bitters
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir well with ice
Strain over fresh cubed ice into a rocks glass
Garnish with an orange wedge and freshly grated chocolate
***
Sbagliato Negroni
1.5 oz. (40 ml) Sweet Vermouth
1.5 oz. (40 ml) Campari
1.5 oz. (40 ml) Prosecco or other sparkling wine
Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice
Add vermouth and Campari and stir
Top with Prosecco and stir again
Garnish with an orange slice
Sometimes bartenders make mistakes and when they do, the resulting cocktail may just outshine the original. The Italians use ‘sbagliato’ when someone messes up. Legend has it that a harried bartender accidentally grabbed a bottle of prosecco, instead of a bottle of gin, and created a refreshing version that dances on your tongue.
If you didn’t know, now you know…
Negroni Week was launched in 2013 by Imbibe Magazine and Campari “as a celebration of one of the world’s great cocktails and an effort to raise money for charities around the world.”
To participate and help raise funds for hospitality workers, visit Imbibe&Campari and support Negroni Week 2020 digital-only fundraising initiative for bar and restaurant workers who have been devastated by COVID-19.
Author Profile
- Gerald is a whisky and spirits connoisseur who has been writing, educating, and championing the industry’s finest for many years. His dedication to the whisky industry inspires international travel to historic locations, like Scotland and Ireland, where he attends exclusive events, private tastings at renowned whisky distilleries and festivals. Passionate about luxury, Gerald enjoys whiling away the hours at the world's leading art galleries and occasionally engaging in a rousing game of squash. Follow him on IG: @g2whisky
