As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, it's time to embrace the flavors of summer with a classic cocktail that never fails to please the palate: the Negroni.
This exquisite Italian creation is the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and herbal notes, making it an ideal companion for warm summer evenings. So, grab your cocktail shaker and get ready to learn how to craft the ultimate Negroni cocktail to impress your friends and elevate your summer gatherings.
Our very own shop gal, Michele, is our resident cocktail expert. The negroni is her go-to cocktail when the summer heat is suffocating. Sometimes a traditional negroni is all she needs but her favorite thing to do is switch out the gin for mezcal tequila.
Ingredients: To prepare a Negroni cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 ounce (30 ml) of gin
- 1 ounce (30 ml) of Campari
- 1 ounce (30 ml) of sweet vermouth
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Ice cubes
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Gather your ingredients and ensure they are chilled. Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes to keep your drink cool throughout the preparation process.
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Begin by pouring 1 ounce (30 ml) of gin into the mixing glass. The choice of gin can greatly influence the overall flavor of your Negroni, so feel free to experiment with different brands or styles to find your preferred taste profile.
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Add 1 ounce (30 ml) of Campari, a vibrant red Italian liqueur with a bitter orange flavor that forms the heart of the Negroni. Its unique bitterness adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
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Next, pour 1 ounce (30 ml) of sweet vermouth into the mixing glass. Vermouth is a fortified wine infused with various botanicals, providing the Negroni with its delightful herbal undertones.
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Using a long cocktail spoon or stirring stick, gently stir the mixture in the mixing glass for about 20-30 seconds. This ensures that the ingredients blend together harmoniously and the cocktail achieves the ideal temperature and dilution.
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Take a chilled rocks glass and strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the glass. The rocks glass is the perfect vessel to showcase the vibrant color of the Negroni while allowing room for ice and garnish.
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For the finishing touch, express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it over the glass. This releases the citrusy aroma, complementing the flavors of the cocktail. Optionally, you can also rub the rim of the glass with the orange peel to enhance the aroma further.
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Drop the orange peel into the glass as a garnish and add a few ice cubes to keep your Negroni cool. Avoid over-icing the drink, as excessive dilution can compromise the balance of flavors.
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Give the Negroni a final gentle stir with a cocktail stirrer or the back of a spoon to incorporate the ice cubes.
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Salute!
The Negroni cocktail is a timeless classic that offers a delightful combination of bitterness, sweetness, and herbal complexities. Perfectly suited for summer, this refreshing drink will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Italy, making it an ideal companion for warm evenings and social gatherings.
With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of mixology finesse, you can effortlessly craft a Negroni that rivals those served in the finest bars. So, whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard get-together, be sure to include this elegant and refreshing cocktail in your summer repertoire.
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