Negroni cocktail is an iconic cocktail with roots in the vibrant Italian cocktail culture. This cocktail was born when Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender in Florence to reinforce his favorite cocktail, the Americano, with gin instead of soda.
The result was a balanced and bold drink that has captivated cocktail lovers for over a century.
Ingredients for Negroni Cocktail
Negroni’s charm lies in its simplicity: only three ingredients in equal parts.
- Gin. This is the strong and dry base of the cocktail. It is a spirit drink that is obtained from the distillation of barley and rye, and is flavored with juniper berries and other botanists.
- Red vermouth. Adds sweetness and aromatic complexity to the cocktail. This is a type of aromatized wine that is infused with various spices and herbs.
- Campari. This distinctly bitter and colourful Italian liqueur gives the Negroni its characteristic spiciness and ruby red colour.
The trick lies in the quality of these ingredients. Make sure to select a premium gin, a reputable red vermouth and, of course, authentic Campari. With this combination in its proper proportion, you will have the base for a perfect Negroni cocktail.
Preparation of the Negroni Cocktail
Making a perfect Negroni is both an art and a science, requiring a delicate balance between precise measurement and mixing technique. We will break down the process step by step to ensure that your experience preparing and tasting this iconic cocktail is as rewarding as possible.
1º. Measurement of the ingredients
The first step is to measure the ingredients. Make sure you have a jigger or meter on hand to get the correct proportions.
A traditional Negroni requires equal parts gin, red vermouth and Campari, usually 30ml each. This equality in measures is crucial to maintain the balance of flavors in the cocktail.
2º. Add the ingredients to the glass
The next step is to add the ingredients to a low glass, also known as Old Fashioned glass. Start by adding the gin, followed by the red vermouth and finally the Campari.
By adding the ingredients in this order, you allow the gin, which is less dense, to mix naturally with the other components.
3º. Add the ice
Make sure your glass is full of ice. The ice not only cools the drink, but also helps to slightly dilute the ingredients, softening the edges and allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.
The high quality ice, free of purity and odors, will make a big difference in the final quality of your Negroni.
4º. Remove the mixture
Stir the mixture with a teaspoon for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial to integrate the ingredients and cool the mixture to an optimal temperature.
The rotation should be smooth and constant, ensuring the ingredients are mixed without shaking the ice too much. There’s no rush here: you want to make sure the ingredients are well mixed and the drink is cold.
5º. Decoration
Finally, add a touch of decor with a twist of orange peel. This not only adds a visual appeal, but also imparts a delicious citrus fragrance that perfectly complements the flavors of Negroni.
By squeezing the orange peel onto the cocktail before adding it, essential oils are released from the peel, adding an extra aromatic note to the drink.
Variants of the Negroni Cocktail
The Negroni is wonderfully versatile and has inspired a number of variations.
The Negroni Sbagliato replaces the gin with Prosecco for a lighter and more effervescent cocktail. This variant was accidentally created when a bartender missed a bottle of gin and grabbed Prosecco instead, hence the name “sbagliato”, which means “wrong” in Italian.
On the other hand, the Boulevardier swaps gin for whisky, creating a richer and smoother drink, perfect for whisky lovers.
At Bruni Collin’s we have the best premium gin in Spain, try it and introduce it in your favorite cocktails.
