The Negroni, a traditional Italian aperitivo, has long been one of my favorite cocktails. Its distinctive ingredient is Campari, a bitter liqueur made with a closely-guarded formula developed in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy. Comprised of alcohol infused with a cornucopia of fruit and herbs, for decades Campari's vivid color was due to carmine dye, a natural derivative of cochineal beetles. Though this practice was discontinued in 2006, you'll still find Campari's presence in the Negroni announced by its ruby-red hue.
The most popular story of this cocktail’s origin dates to the early 1900s and involves a Count Camillo Negroni. Lore has it that the Count, a regular at Caffè Cassoni in Florence, Italy, asked bartender Fosco Scarcelli to bolster his Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth and soda) with gin instead of soda. With three simple ingredients, a new libation was born.
The classic proportions are equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Garnishing with an orange slice or twist underlines the bitter orange component of Campari. A refreshing Negroni - a little dry, a little sweet, and a little bitter - is the perfect aperitivo or “palate opener” before a splendid Italian feast, or at any time.
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Garnish: orange slice or orange peel
Steps
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add gin, Campari and vermouth, and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes or one large cube. (Alternatively, add ingredients to the rocks glass and stir to combine).
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
For a bubbly variation known as the Negroni Sbagliato (sbagliato means "incorrect" or "mistake"), substitute prosecco or your favorite sparkling wine for the gin and serve in a flute.