Discover a cocktail that’s as bitter as it is delicious, and as refreshing as you like thanks to its herbaceous notes: Negroni. Initially considered one of Italy’s most famous, it has successfully crossed borders. Disconcertingly easy to drink, it relies on a perfect balance between three key ingredients: gin, vermouth and Campari.
A cocktail from Florence
It takes its name from its inspiration, Count Camillo Negroni. He imagined it as an inseparable companion to aperitivo, designed to whet the appetite before the meal. It’s 1919, at Caffè Casoni in Florence. Count Negroni, accustomed to traveling to the United States, asks bartender Fosco Scarzelli to give more character to his favorite cocktail, the Americano. So he swapped sparkling water for gin, and Negroni was born! And to give it even more personality, he also swapped the traditional lemon slice for orange. The result is a cocktail that takes you all over Italy, with vermouth from Turin, Campari from Milan, orange from Sicily and the recipe from Florence.
With its eye-catching shimmering red hue and powerful taste that awakens the taste buds, it quickly gained notoriety. This classic among classics has since proved its worth, reaching the podium of the most popular cocktails, alongside the Martini and the Manhattan. Over the last decade, however, it has benefited from a second wind and a trendier image. Its strong, bitter flavours have seduced mixologists, who have made it a must-have drink for connoisseurs.
To be enjoyed at the bar as if at home
Its popularity is due in no small part to its ease of preparation, since it contains just three ingredients in equal parts. To make it, simply mix gin, vermouth and Campari. This makes it easy to prepare in advance, a plus for bar service. Many establishments offered it as a takeaway during the lockdown. Note that a bottled Negroni will evolve very well over time, so don’t panic if you’ve forgotten it in a corner of the fridge. Simply pour it over ice in an Old Fashioned glass and enjoy!
There are, of course, many variations to suit every taste and desire. The Negroni Sbagliato, where gin gives way to Prosecco. Negroni Nio with a touch of Angostura. Le Boulevardier with bourbon rather than gin. Or the light Negroni Blanc, a blend of gin, Lillet and Suze. Just browse the Ginsiders range to find everything you need for your Negroni.
