cocktails in context : the negroni
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My relationship with Campari didn’t start out very well, so it took a long time for me to find my way to the Negroni. I like to drink most things, but I was just severely underprepared the first time I tried Campari! I was in Rome with my family in 2013, fresh off a six month road trip around the country (2013 was...pretty fucking great). One night, I was feeling particularly ambitious, the way a 24 year olds just off a life changing trip are wont to be, and ordered a Campari on the rocks after a delicious meal having absolutely no idea what it was.
The Negroni
My relationship with Campari didn’t start out very well, so it took a long time for me to find my way to the Negroni. I like to drink most things, but I was just severely underprepared the first time I tried Campari! I was in Rome with my family in 2013, fresh off a six month road trip around the country (2013 was...pretty fucking great). One night, I was feeling particularly ambitious, the way a 24 year olds just off a life changing trip are wont to be, and ordered a Campari on the rocks after a delicious meal having absolutely no idea what it was.
I HATED it. I wanted to love it - I loved everything! But I couldn’t even finish it (sacrilege to someone a mere two years into legal drinking). I think the herby nature was a bit too similar to the only drink I still continue to swear off - Jagermeister - and I just wasn’t ready for it! I wonder now if I had had a bit more humility, taken the time to consider what it might be, looked up the flavor profile, asked the bartender how to try it for the first time - ANYTHING- I may not have reacted so poorly. But ultimately this experience kept me away from Campari, and thus the Negroni, for years.
Until this year. I’ve always been intrigued by the Negroni - those who love it REALLY love it, and it did have an alluring simplicity and sophistication. Plus, how could I turn down a drink that knocked Anthony Bourdain (RIP) on his ass and pawing through a fridge for cheese in the middle of the night?
I set out earlier this year determined to leave my hatred of Campari behind, and am so glad I did! The Negroni really is an incredible cocktail. It is simple, balanced, easy to make at home, and also so much fun to create variations with!
Negroni on a Friday night at The Good Pie
About the negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that is known for its beautiful balance of bitterness and sweetness. It is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail, made with equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The drink is stirred, not shaken, and traditionally garnished with a slice of orange peel.
They story is that the Negroni originated in Florence, Italy, in the early 20th century, and is named after Count Camillo Negroni reportedly asked a bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was a cocktail that is both robust and refreshing. The bitterness of the Campari, a dark red liqueur, is tempered by the sweet vermouth, while the gin adds a botanical complexity.
Over the years, the Negroni has become a beloved cocktail around the world, not only for its distinctive taste but also for its versatility. It can be enjoyed before a meal as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite, or after a meal as a digestif. The Negroni's bold, bittersweet flavors make it a cocktail that is truly unforgettable.
How to make a negroni at home
To make a Negroni cocktail at home, you'll need equal parts (usually 1 ounce each) of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Start by adding these ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir the mixture for about 20 to 30 seconds, until it's thoroughly chilled. Then, strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes. The traditional garnish for a Negroni is a slice of orange peel. To do this, cut a wide slice of peel from an orange, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Twist the peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it into the glass. Enjoy!
Best ice for a negroni
When it comes to choosing the best ice for a Negroni, it's important to consider the role ice plays in your cocktail. Ice does more than just chilling your drink; it also contributes to the dilution, which can significantly affect the taste profile of your cocktail.
For a Negroni, a cocktail that is served 'on the rocks', the ideal choice is large ice cubes or a single large ice ball. These larger pieces of ice have less surface area in contact with the drink compared to the same volume of smaller ice cubes. The result is a slower melting rate, keeping your Negroni cold without watering it down too quickly. It's worth mentioning that the quality of ice matters too. Crystal clear ice, free from impurities and odors, is the best for any cocktail to ensure it doesn't alter the taste of your drink. So, the next time you're mixing a Negroni, remember to give some thought to the ice. It's not just a small detail, but a critical component in crafting a perfect Negroni.
My favorite substitute for Campari
My absolute favorite red bitter is from Forthave red apertivo. It’s made by a small distiller with ingredients that are local to Upstate New York. This bittersweet aperitivo is infused with 13 botanicals including orange, chamomile and rose.
What are equal parts cocktails?
Equal parts cocktails are an ideal starting point for novice mixologists, offering a simple yet effective approach to cocktail creation. These drinks, as the name implies, consist of ingredients mixed in equal proportions. This makes the recipe easy to remember and the drink exceptionally balanced. Classic examples of equal parts cocktails include the Negroni and the Last Word, both of which balance strong, sweet, and bitter components for a harmonious, flavorful experience. While these recipes provide a great foundation, don't hesitate to experiment with variations to cater to individual taste preferences.
Other equal parts cocktails
Recommended Tools for making negronis at home
The Negroni
the negroni
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
- Stir for 20-30 seconds, taste to ensure proper balance dilution and chilling
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large cube
With an equal parts mix of gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and a touch of absinthe, it's the ultimate potion to wake the dead (aka the severely hungover) and revive your taste buds.