I should have known my reaction to this new experience just by looking at the ingredients. All the same, I’d never tried a Negroni so when one was offered as a new year’s eve tipple, I figured, why not?
Also, I needed to try just one more new thing before the clock struck midnight to reach the goal of trying fifty-two new things in 2022. I wasn’t sure what else I’d be able to fit in, so this ticked the box and got me to the hallowed fifty-two.
Getting Into The 'Spirit' Of New Year
A Negroni is a fairly simple yet strong cocktail as there are no mixers. There are a plethora of different variations on the recipe. The one we had consisted of 3 equal measures of spirits; gin; sweet vermouth and Campari. It is served the opposite to how James Bond like his cocktails as it is usually stirred rather than shaken. Once mixed, ours was poured over big ice cubes as is tradition.
Friends of mine have often quaffed this cocktail, and as someone who doesn’t particularly like many spirits, it’s something I haven’t bothered sampling before.
However, there is a story behind this strong mixer.
Short Story
This cocktail concoction is thought to have originated from Italy. The story goes that in 1919 in the beautiful city of Florence, a cosy little bar called Cafe Casoni had a frequent customer – Count Camillo Negroni. His regular tipple was an Americano; an equal mix of Campari and sweet vermouth topped up with sparkling water.
There aren’t any official written records of this, so we’ll never know if the Count had had a particularly bad day, or was just feeling a bit cheeky and adventurous. On one of his regular visits he asked Fosco Scarselli, the barman, to use gin instead of water to top up the spirits.
To help this new drink to stand out from the regular Americano cocktail, Fosco garnished the glass with orange and the Count enjoyed his tasty new tipple. So the Negroni cocktail was born and has gone on to become a classic in the world of mixology.
Tasting The Tipple
It certainly looked good as I was handed it -a sort of deep glowing red. It lived up to the part of being a sophisticated new years eve drink.
I took a sip. The strong flavours flooded my mouth. The smooth drink had a bitter herbal taste with soft sweet undertones and perhaps the slightest hint of liquorice.
It had a lovely effect of gently warming from the inside as I swallowed it down, perfect for a winter drink.
I really, really, wanted to like it.
I really, really, wanted my palate to have become more refined with age.
I really, really, didn’t like it.
Should Have Gone With My 'Gin-tuition'
I don’t like gin. I have tried so hard to like it, as there are so many beautiful bottles and interesting flavours available. It always looks so appealing, but I have not found one I enjoy. Unfortunately, as gin is a key component of a Negroni, I should have known from the outset that this would not be a drink I’d be regularly ordering.
Not For Me, But You Might Like It
You on the other hand, might absolutely love this spirited mixture. If you like gin, you’re already in a stronger position to enjoy this fancy fusion. If you’ve never tried one before, it’s definitely worth sampling as it is such a classy and classic cocktail.
Want To Try It Yourself?
As long as you are of the legal drinking age, and you’re not planning on driving anywhere after you’ve drunk it, then you can try a Negroni cocktail.
Cost Of Experience
If you buy all of the ingredients to make a negroni at home, you’ll likely have to purchase large bottles of spirits. Whilst the initial outlay may be around £40 (depending on where you buy the spirits) you will be able to make multiples of the cocktail. Party at yours then!
If you order a Negroni in a bar, the price usually starts from around £5, but of course this will vary widely depending on where you order the drink.
Recommendations
This is a cocktail for sipping.
It’s traditionally served as an aperitif. This strong and warming short drink is considered to stimulate the appetite – maybe make sure you have snacks to hand if you try it!
Always drink responsibly. You don’t want to end up with a Ne-groan-i hangover. (Sorry!)
If you’re visiting Florence, you could always pass by the alleged birth place of this classic cocktail. It no longer has the name of Cafe Casoni, but look for Caffe Lietta as it is now called.
There is a Negroni week in September! Why not celebrate and raise a glass to mark the occasion?