Whether it's an obsession with Mad Men or just a sense of boredom with overly sweet, flavored vodkas, classic cocktails are making a resurgence. Whatever the cause, we think it's pretty awesome.
The classic Negroni is one of those "in" drinks.
Supposedly developed in Florence, Italy, in 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to stiffen his Americano -- a combination of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda -- by adding gin to his drink, the drink has become a staple for cocktail geeks for nearly a century.
That being said, we asked mixologist Iliya Dimitrov of Valentino's Cucina Italiana to show us how to make the perfect Negroni.
See Also:
- Specialty Cocktails: David Walker of Malcolm's Aum-Phoy
- Specialty Cocktails: Nick Scalisi's PB Spice and Watermelon SOB
The cocktail is made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Although Dimitrov prefers to prepare his own bitters for the cocktail, he suggests using high-quality retail products. According to him, "This is the drink we sell the most."
Negroni
1 ounce gin (Dimitrov uses St. George Dry Rye)
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1 drop of bitters (Dimitrov recommends Bittercube Cherry Bark)
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir, strain, and pour into a glass with ice. Garnish the drink with orange zest, peel, or slice.
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