The Negroni cocktail is a traditional Italian aperitivo that has now been ranked the most popular cocktail in the world for six years running.

The Negroni's most distinctive ingredient is the bright red Campari (The Red Passion, some might say). Campari is a bitter liqueur made in Italy and has a closely guarded secret formula that was developed around 1860. The creator was Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy. Comprising of alcohol infused with plenty of fruit and herbs, Campari's vivid red color was due to carmine dye, which is a natural derivative of cochineal beetles. Campari discontinued this in 2006 but you will still find Campari's presence in the Negroni as a ruby-red.

The most famous story of the Negroni's origin dates to the early 1900s in Florence and involves a Count named Camillo Negroni. Legend has it that Count Negroni, a regular patron at Caffè Cassoni in Florence, Italy, requested the bartender named Fosco Scarcelli to modify his Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth and soda) and instead add gin to replace the soda. With three simple ingredients, a new Cocktail, the Negroni, was born.

The classic Negroni proportions are equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The final part of the cocktail is the garnishing with an orange slice or twist that underlines the bitter orange component of Campari. A refreshing Negroni - a little dry, a little sweet, and a little bitter - is the perfect aperitivo or "palate opener" before a splendid Italian feast or at any time. 

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Garnish: orange slice or orange peel

Steps

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add gin, Campari and vermouth, and stir until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes or one large cube. (Alternatively, add ingredients to the rocks glass and stir to combine).
3. Garnish with an orange slice or twist.

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 Frequently Asked Questions About the Negroni

Question: what does a negroni taste like?
Answer: A Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail with a distinctively bold, complex, and balanced flavor profile. It tastes both bitter and sweet, with herbal, citrus, and woody notes that make it a unique and sophisticated drink. Here’s a breakdown of its taste:

Bitterness:

• The primary source of the Negroni's characteristic bitterness comes from Campari, an Italian aperitif. This bitterness is the backbone of the drink, giving it a refreshing edge that stimulates the palate.

Sweetness:

• Sweet vermouth adds a contrasting sweetness to the cocktail, balancing the bitterness of Campari. It also introduces herbal and spiced flavors, which add depth and complexity to the drink.

Citrus:

• The inclusion of gin, with its juniper and botanical notes, brings a bright and slightly citrusy flavor to the cocktail. Additionally, a traditional garnish of an orange slice or peel adds a fragrant citrus aroma and a hint of sweet citrus flavor that complements the bitterness and herbal notes.

Herbal and Woody Notes:

• Both Campari and sweet vermouth contain a variety of herbs and spices, contributing to the cocktail’s complex herbal profile. Depending on the gin used, you may also detect floral, pine, or additional citrus notes, which can add to the overall herbal and woody undertones of the drink.

Overall:

• The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and herbal flavors. It's known for its strong and distinctive taste, which can be an acquired preference for some. The mouthfeel is smooth, with a slightly viscous texture from the vermouth, making it both invigorating and satisfying to sip.

The Negroni is appreciated for its ability to serve as an aperitif, stimulating the appetite before a meal, and its versatility in being enjoyed slowly to savor its complex flavors.

Question: when is negroni week?
Answer: Negroni Week is an annual event celebrating the classic cocktail, the Negroni, while raising money for charities around the world. It typically takes place in September. The event, launched in 2013 by Imbibe Magazine and Campari, has grown to involve thousands of bars and restaurants worldwide. Each participating venue creates its own version of the Negroni or offers the classic recipe, donating a portion of the proceeds from each Negroni sold to a charity of their choice.

Since the specific dates for Negroni Week can vary from year to year, it's a good idea to check the official Negroni Week website or local participating bars for the exact dates of the event in the current year.

Question: how to pronounce negroni?
Answer: Negroni is pronounced as neh-GROH-nee.

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