It's time for another classic that helps me appreciate gin while also expanding my knowledge of useless cocktail trivia that I one day hope to use to entertain the masses at a swanky cocktail event.
Until then, I'll continue to drink this in my apartment with my cat. C'est la vie.
Campari is the key to this gin cocktail that works well as an aperitif. The Negroni can be an acquired taste that some people love while others hate it. It is widely believed that this drink was created and named for Count Cammillo Negroni in the 1920's when he ordered an Americano with gin at Cafe Casoni in Florence.
Negroni
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 1/2 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- orange slice or twist for garnish
Pour the ingredients into an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes. Stir well and garnish with the orange slice. The Negroni can also be shaken and served in a cocktail glass with a lemon twist. The taste is complex, to say the least. Campari is a type of bitters and when mixed with the gin brings out some of the dryness. The sweet vermouth keeps it all from becoming too dry but the taste might be a bit off-putting to some. This is one to definitely try, even if you think you won't like it. I think it'll grow on ya.
God loves a cheerful giver.
Darlington House (upstairs bar) does a decent Negroni, if you're feeling too lazy to make one for yourself.
This is the only column I know that should be equally devoured by all classes of readers.