Negroni (The Classic Italian Cocktail)
By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis
History
The Negroni is one of Italy’s most iconic cocktails, first created in Florence in 1919. The story goes that Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to strengthen his usual Americano by replacing the soda with gin, and the rest is history. This bold cocktail has since become a symbol of Italian sophistication and a staple of any aperitivo hour.
Ingredients
30ml Gin (choose a good quality gin with herbal notes)
30ml Campari
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Orange slice (for garnish)
Ice
Instructions
Mix the Cocktail:
In a mixing glass, add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Fill the glass with ice and stir the ingredients together for about 30 seconds, ensuring everything is well-chilled and diluted.
Serve:
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnish:
Add a slice of orange as a garnish. You can also express the orange peel over the drink to release the citrus oils for an added aroma.
Enjoy:
Sip and savor this bold, bitter, and aromatic cocktail.
Appetizer Pairing
Pair the Negroni with Fagottini di Prosciutto e Formaggio (Ham and Cheese Pastry Parcels). The savory, cheesy goodness of the fagottini perfectly complements the bitterness of the Negroni, creating a balanced and indulgent aperitivo experience.
Wine Pairing
Pair the Negroni with a sparkling wine, such as a Prosecco or Franciacorta, to complement its bitterness. The bubbles will cleanse your palate between sips, enhancing the complexity of the cocktail.
Chef Tip
For a smoother version, try Citrus Gin or a gin with floral notes to bring out the sweet and bitter balance of the Negroni. A high-quality sweet vermouth will make all the difference, so don’t skimp on that!
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