Cocktail "Negroni": History and Recipes

The Negroni cocktail is a classic drink with a rich history enjoyed all over the world. It is known for its unique combination of bitter, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a favorite in many bars and restaurants. You don't have to be a sophisticated connoisseur or bartender to enjoy the taste of this cocktail, but in fact, its recipe is quite simple, and you can make it even at home. Moreover, you don't have to stick to the traditional recipe; if you're looking for something unusual, there are various variations with new flavors. Let's talk about this in a little more detail.

History of the Negroni Cocktail

The Negroni cocktail originated in Italy and has an exciting history dating back to the early 20th century. According to one version, the cocktail was created in 1919 in Florence. Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender to strengthen his favorite Americano cocktail by replacing soda with gin, which led to the birth of the "Negroni." Camillo Negroni was known for his love of travel and strong drinks, which was reflected in the new cocktail named after him.

Over time, the Negroni became a symbol of Italian aperitif and occupies a significant place in drinking culture worldwide. Its popularity continues to grow, thanks to various variations and cultural events, such as "Negroni Week," organized by Campari and Imbibe magazine, which helps raise funds for charity.

Ingredients of Negroni

The Negroni cocktail is a classic Italian aperitif, consisting of three main ingredients mixed in equal parts: gin, red vermouth, and Campari bitter liqueur. These components create a unique combination of sweet, bitter, and aromatic flavors, making the Negroni a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The Negroni is renowned for its balance and depth of flavor, making it the perfect choice for an aperitif before lunch or dinner.

Sometimes, various flavorings are added to the Negroni, such as fresh herbs or spices, to enhance the aroma. For example, rosemary or thyme can add interesting notes to the cocktail's aromatic profile. Another popular addition is orange or lemon bitters, which enhance the citrus freshness of the drink.

Cocktail Recipes

In addition to the classic recipe, there are various variations of the Negroni that also enjoy certain popularity. As with any cocktail, you don't have to strictly follow the recipe - you can change the ingredients as you like. Want a bit of spiciness? Or do you want the cocktail to be sweeter? Then add hot sauce or sweet syrup! No one will punish you for that. Let's talk about different recipes. To fully enjoy the taste of this cocktail, it is recommended to find a good and trusted Georgian cuisine restaurant.

Classic Negroni Recipe

To prepare the classic Negroni cocktail, you will need just a few simple ingredients and following a simple instruction:

Ingredients:

• 30 ml gin.
• 30 ml Campari.
• 30 ml sweet vermouth.
• Orange zest for garnish.

Preparation:

1. Start by adding gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Thoroughly stir the mixture until chilled, which will take about 30 seconds. Avoid shaking to avoid diluting the drink.
3. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish the drink with a twist of orange zest to add citrus aroma.

White Negroni

One of the popular alternative recipes for the Negroni is the White Negroni. This version uses different ingredients to achieve a fresh and slightly different taste while maintaining the structure of the classic Negroni.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml gin.
• 30 ml Suze, a French bitter liqueur based on gentian.
• 30 ml white vermouth, such as Lillet Blanc.

Preparation:

1. In a mixing glass with ice, add gin, Suze, and white vermouth.
2. Thoroughly stir the ingredients with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to chill the cocktail well.
3. Strain the drink into a pre-chilled rocks glass.
4. For aroma, garnish the cocktail with a slice or twist of lemon or orange peel.

Negroni Sbagliato

Negroni Sbagliato is a unique variation of the classic Negroni, where sparkling wine is used instead of gin, making the drink lighter and more refreshing. In Italian, "Sbagliato" means "mistaken." Here's how you can prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 30 ml Campari.
• 30 ml sweet vermouth.
• 30 ml sparkling wine (Prosecco or other white sparkling wine).
• Orange zest or slice for garnish.

Preparation:

1. In a rocks glass filled with ice, add Campari and sweet vermouth.
2. Thoroughly stir and top the mixture with sparkling wine.
3. Gently stir the drink to maintain the effervescence of the wine (the process by which bubbles of gas are released from the wine during fermentation, similar to regular soda).
4. Garnish the drink with fresh orange zest or a slice to add aromatic notes.

Amaroni

Amaroni Cocktail - this is an interesting variation on the classic Negroni, where some of the ingredients are replaced to give new flavor nuances. Here's a simple recipe for making Amaroni:

Ingredients:

• 30 ml Amaro (Italian bitter liqueur).
• 30 ml sweet vermouth.
• 30 ml gin.
• Slice of orange or orange peel for garnish.

Preparation:

1. In a rocks glass filled with ice, add Amaro, sweet vermouth, and gin.
2. Thoroughly stir the mixture with a bar spoon until the drink is chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled serving glass.
4. Garnish the drink with a slice of orange or orange peel to add aromatic notes.

Frozen Negroni

Frozen Negroni cocktail is a frozen version of the classic Negroni, perfect for hot summer days. Here's how to prepare this refreshing drink:

Ingredients:

• 30 ml gin.
• 30 ml Campari.
• 30 ml sweet vermouth.
• Sufficient ice to give the mixture a smoothie consistency.
• Orange zest or slice for garnish.

Preparation:

1. Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a blender.
2. Add enough ice to achieve a thick and cold consistency.
3. Blend until smooth and until the cocktail resembles a thick smoothie.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish each drink with an orange slice or orange peel.

Strawberry Negroni

Strawberry Negroni cocktail is a fruity variation of the classic Negroni. It includes gin, Campari, red vermouth, orange juice, and simple syrup, which gives it additional sweetness and fruity notes. All ingredients, except for one strawberry slice, are blended in a blender with ice until smooth, then the cocktail is poured into a glass and garnished with an orange slice and a strawberry.