It is funny how stereotypical gender labels can attach themselves to everything from a boy playing with dolls, to a girl drinking whiskey straight. With that said, I must also admit I am a one choice kind of girl. I go to a restaurant, order something and if I like it, I won't order anything else...ever.
Same goes for my cocktail repertoire.
My first cocktail was a Cosmopolitan. I know, I know..."so girly"., being so pink and all. To be honest though, it isn't "girly" at all. When made correctly, it is cocktail heaven. Perfectly balanced. I always have a Cosmo. Have had them all over the world.
In March, I celebrated my birthday in London. I don't need to get into how fabulous the bars in London are. Well, not wanting to be "boring" as my best friend pointed out. ( I'm anything but by the way) I stuck my neck out and ordered a Negroni.
Here's where the sterotype comes in. You see a Negroni doesn't play...it is pure booze! No mixers, no juice no splashes of tonic water. It is in your face. Perfectly balanced...and with a nose like no other. The sweet orange hits you like a summer's day.
I have to say I was hooked. It's crimson colour was majestic in my old fashioned glass. Served on the rocks with an orange wedge, it was as no-fuss as you can get. You don't even have to measure. Did you say pitcher? It is equal parts Campari, Gin and Vermouth. How easy is that?
To who do we owe this magic drink to?
After a trip to London, an Italian Count fell in love with gin and brought some back to Florence. Count Negroni, asked the bartender at Caffe Casoni, to swap out the soda water in his Americano ( Martini Rosso, Campari, and soda water) for his beloved gin instead. Named after him, the Negroni was born.
I love the orange so I place my orange wedge at the bottom and garnish with an orange peel. That way, it doesn't get in the way as I sip. Farewell Cosmo, we had a great time, but there is a new guy in town;) Enjoy XOXO
Negroni Classic Cocktail
Serves 1
Aperitif
Equipment:
Old-fashioned glass (Classic, but I also serve it in other glassware)
Ice cubes
1 Orange wedge and peel sliver to garnish
1 part (1oz., 3 cl) Campari
1 part (1oz., 3 cl) Gin
1 part (1oz., 3 cl) Red Vermouth
1. Place an orange wedge at the bottom of old-fashioned glass, fill halfway with ice.
2. Pour in all spirits
3. Stir gently and serve garnished with an orange peel sliver
