Negroni
- 1oz Gin
- 1oz Italian Sweet Vermouth
- 1oz Campari
Garnish: Orange peel
Shake and strain over ice.
Today is my boyfriend FutureGregs (FG) birthday, so it only seemed fitting that I put up one of his all time favorite drinks. The Negroni cocktail is made of equal parts gin, vermouth (Italian, semi-sweet), and bitters, traditionally Campari. It is considered an apéritif and has a bitter sweet flavor profile.
I admit, this is not a personal favorite of mine, in fact it’s quite the contrary! This is a very strong and particularly bitter drink, one that I feel you really have to become acustomed to. FG loves the bitterness of any amaro (after dinner digestif) in a drink, so this is a great option for him. He often chooses to use Cynar (an Italian bitter apéritif liqueur made from herbs, plants and artichoke) instead of the traditional Campari, which I believe makes it taste even more bitter!
The Negroni has, like many cocktails, an often disputed history. The most common belief is that it was created and named after Count Cammillo Negroni in 1919 when he ordered an Americano with gin at Cafe Casoni in Florence, Italy. When discussing this with FG he did point out that there are other accounts that suggest this was already another drink, however Count Negroni was the one who made it famous and therefore has his name attached to it.
Whatever it’s origins, this is a good option before or after a meal as the bitters have medicinal qualities that will help settle your stomach.
PARTY PEOPLE
By the way, for those of you who know and love my boyfriend, we will be celebrating tonight (23rd August) at Bagatelle in Hollywood. The theme is ‘Black and White’, so make sure you come in those colors and dress to impress! There will be a punch bowl, a Dj, many beautiful women, lots of handsome men and a special priced drinks list for those prepared to celebrate with us. Come on down at 9pm. We’ll be there til 2am…or until Greg passes out!
Ps. For those of you who don’t know my boyfriend, please note he is actually a very attractive and intelligent man…not the dumbfounded gormless creature I have portrayed him as on this invite. I simply chose this photo because it is so damn funny! Happy Birthday my darling! xxx
