Ah, spring is here: the birds are chirping, the air is warmer, everyone is playing outside. I put on my Chaco sandals and we took a ride in the convertible. It must be time for a Negroni!
Unlike many classic cocktails, this one can be traced to a precise moment. Count Camillo Negroni was at a cafe in Florence in 1919 and asked the bartender to stiffen up his Americano cocktail (one we will explore soon).
The original recipe was equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, on the rocks,, with an orange peel garnish. There are many variations, though. Adding more gin is particularly popular, and it’s the approach I favor, along with adding just a splash of club soda (reminiscent of the Americano). I and many others find the Campari overbearing in the equal parts recipe, whereas in the recipe below it provides just the right amount of spice.
This is a refreshing, tasty, and actually quite strong cocktail, perfect for sitting on the deck at home or for an after work beverage at an outdoor cafe.
- 2 oz gin (Plymouth is considered best here)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Splash of sparkling water
- Orange peel garnish
Pour the ingredients over ice into an old fashioned glass. Stir, rub the rim of the glass with the garnish, and drop it in. Best enjoyed outdoors.
