The Negroni cocktail, a blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, is a classic that never goes out of style. With its vibrant color and perfect balance of sweet and bitter, the Negroni holds a special place in the hearts of cocktail aficionados worldwide.
The Classic Negroni - A Balanced Blend
A traditional Negroni is a study in balance, a seamless integration of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, usually in equal parts. Douglas Derrick of Ava Gene's bar in Portland advocates for a 1:1:1:1 ratio, with the fourth part being the water melted from the ice, ensuring a smooth dilution. Campari, the iconic Italian bittersweet herb and fruit liqueur, is the heart of the Negroni. Its bright red hue and complex flavor profile, combining bitterness with fruity sweetness and an herbal aroma, make it irreplaceable. Although it's a crucial ingredient in a Negroni, Campari's versatility extends to being mixed with soda water or orange juice.
The Rich History Behind the Negroni
The Negroni's story begins with the invention of Campari in 1860 by Gaspare Campari. After opening Caffe Campari, Gaspare mixed Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, topped with a citrus slice, creating the "Milano-Torino." Americans in Italy during Prohibition favored this drink, leading to the birth of the "Americano" cocktail. The Negroni, however, owes its name and stronger profile to Count Camillo Negroni. After his return to Florence post-WWI, Count Negroni asked for a bolder version of the Milano-Torino at Caffe Casoni. Replacing soda water with gin, the bartender unknowingly created a cocktail that would endure for over a century.
Exploring Negroni Variations
The Negroni's basic formula has inspired countless variations. The Boulevardier, created by Harry McElhone for Erskine Gwynne, an American cocktail columnist, substitutes gin with bourbon or rye whiskey for a richer, sweeter drink. It first appeared in McElhone's 1927 cocktail book "Barflies and Cocktails." The Old Pal, from the 1922 book "The ABCs of Cocktails," uses Canadian whiskey and dry vermouth instead of gin and sweet vermouth.
Negroni Sbagliato, with its serendipitous creation involving Prosecco instead of gin, adds a sparkling twist. The Zegroni, a brainchild of Mark Huang, the 2011 DIAGEO World Class champion from Taiwan, reinvents the classic with Zacapa 23 rum and Dubonnet instead of gin and sweet vermouth, a twist that won him acclaim in the cocktail world.
Campari and Its Alternatives
While Campari remains the traditional choice for a Negroni, alternatives like Italian Cappelletti, Oregon's Calisaya, and Aperol, offer exciting variations. These substitutes share Campari's slight bitterness, but each brings a unique twist to the classic cocktail.
The Negroni, with its rich history, balanced flavor, and versatile nature, continues to be a beloved staple in the cocktail world. Whether you're a purist or an experimenter, the Negroni offers a canvas for taste and creativity. So, grab your ingredients, and let the magic of the Negroni take you on a delightful journey through taste and time.