The Negroni is a timeless cocktail that has charmed palates worldwide with its perfect blend of sweetness and bitterness, complemented by its rich red hue. Recently, a social media influencer’s post has introduced this classic drink to an entirely new audience. Let’s delve into the intriguing history of the Negroni, explore the straightforward method of preparing it, and discover the various delightful variations you can enjoy.
A Historic Drink
The origins of the Negroni are shrouded in legend, primarily revolving around an Italian gentleman, Count Camillo Negroni. A prominent figure in the high society of Florence during the 1920s, the Count was a frequent patron of Café Casoni.
He is said to have regularly enjoyed the classic Americano cocktail, which blends Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda, famously referenced by Ian Fleming in his James Bond novel, *Casino Royale*. Seeking a more potent beverage, Negroni asked the bartender to substitute soda with gin.
This simple request led to the creation of what we now know as the Negroni. The drink’s popularity surged as patrons began inquiring about The Count’s choice, leading the bartender to name it after him. A competing narrative comes from the descendants of General Pascal de Negroni, a 19th-century French Brigadier General, who alleged that he created the drink to alleviate his digestive issues.
How Do You Make a Negroni?
The charm of the Negroni lies not only in its rich flavor but also in its simplicity. All you need are three core ingredients: gin, a bitter aperitif, and sweet red vermouth. Measure equal parts of each ingredient into a tumbler glass, give it a gentle stir with large ice cubes, then garnish with fresh or dried orange zest before serving.
The Classic Negroni
The Classic Negroni is a hard one to beat. It traditionally combines London Dry gin with Campari as the bitter aperitif and Martini Rosso as the sweet red vermouth. Purists insist on pouring the gin first, followed by the vermouth, and topping it off with the bitter aperitif.
For serving, a tumbler or Old-Fashioned glass is recommended, garnished with a fresh orange slice. Feel free to experiment with different styles of gin, vermouth, or bitters according to your taste.
The Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato—translated as the ‘wrong Negroni’—garnered significant attention after being featured in a viral YouTube video.
This variation was born by accident at Bar Basso in Milan, where owner Mirko Stochetto mistakenly added prosecco instead of gin while mixing the cocktail. The delighted customer named it the Negroni Sbagliato, and its popularity has soared ever since.
The Negroni Torbato
The Negroni Torbato takes a unique twist, substituting gin with smoky Scotch whisky. The term ‘torbato’ translates to ‘peaty’ in Italian, referring to a choice of peaty single malt or blended whisky, like Johnnie Walker Black Label or Lagavulin 16 years old.
This earthy, medicinal whisky pairs beautifully with the intense flavors of Campari and red vermouth, delivering a bold cocktail best enjoyed on a chilly evening.
The Spiced Negroni
If you’re in the mood for something warm and festive, the Spiced Negroni fits the bill. In this version, spiced rum replaces gin, while maintaining the original bitter aperitif and sweet vermouth.
Using spiced rum infuses the cocktail with a depth that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. A splash of sloe gin or ginger liqueur adds an extra layer of warmth, and an orange slice makes for a delightful garnish.
The White Negroni
Created by Wayne Collins in 2001, the White Negroni (or *negroni bianco*) offers a lighter alternative to the traditional drink, making it ideal for warm days. For this recipe, substitute Campari and Martini Rosso with a white bitter (such as Suze or Luxardo Bitter Bianco) and sweet white vermouth like Cinzano Bianco or Lillet Blanc.
The proportions remain equal, and while an orange garnish works well, slices of lemon or grapefruit can also provide a refreshing twist.
The Boulevardier
The Boulevardier takes a different approach by replacing gin with whiskey, typically bourbon or rye. The cocktail first appeared in the 1927 book *Barflies and Cocktails*, shortly after the original Negroni was crafted at Café Casoni.
It is said to have been created for Erskine Gwynne, an American expatriate and editor of a magazine named *The Boulevardier*, hence the drink’s name.
