The Negroni is that perfect end-of-summer cocktail. It was created at Bar Casoni in Florence in the 1920’s when Count Camillo Negroni ordered an Amicano with a kick! For my last hurrah this summer season I spent a weekend at a lake house in the Pacific Northwest with some of my dearest girlfriends. Just like the Italians do at Lake Como, we sipped our Negronis as we watched the sun set on another beautiful summer day.
What really gives a Negroni flavor is Campari. This Italian appertivo is bitter, and after every sip it leaves you wanting just a little bit more. However, this bitterness can be an acquired taste, and it may take some getting used to. If you’re a coffee or beer drinker, you’ll probably be ok, but if not, I’ll recommend a sweeter variation too so you can ease into the Italian appertivo lifestyle.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot gin
- 1 shot Campari
- 1 shot rose vermouth
- Prosecco
- orange slices
Fill a lowball glass with ice and add gin, Campari and rose vermouth. Stir. Top with Prosecco, and gently give it one more little stir. Add an orange slice.
A little sweeter… Before adding ice, squeeze about a tablespoon of orange juice in the bottom of the glass. Add about a teaspoon of sugar and an extra orange slice. Muddle together, be sure to get some of the oils out of the orange peel. Then follow the directions above. This did the trick for some of my novice Campari drinkers over the weekend.
Cin Cin!
–Eva
PS – More cocktails here!
Photography by Eva Burns for Jojotastic
