Happy 100 to the Negroni!

June 24-30, 2019 is officially Negroni Week. And this year, it’s especially special…it’s the 100th anniversary of the Negroni. The Negroni is an Italian creation, for which I’m forever grateful to the creator.

If you’ve never had one, it’s an acquired taste. I have most certainly acquired it! The best one I ever had was at a little cafe in Rome. This is my favorite way to have a Negroni 😉. Nevertheless, having one at home brings back fond memories of Italy.

There are many “variations” on a Negroni and I’ll share a few of my favorites, including the original.

The Original Negroni

1 part gin
1 part sweet vermouth
1 part Campari

Mix in a glass. Add ice (preferably a giant piece of bar ice) and add a slice or wedge of orange.

The Boulevardier

1 part bourbon
1 part sweet vermouth
1 part Campari

Mix in a glass. Add ice (preferably a giant piece of bar ice) and add a Luxardo cherry or Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherry.

The Mezcal Negroni

(If you like the smokiness of Mezcal, you’ll love this version!)

1 part Mezcal
1 part sweet vermouth
1 part Campari

Mix in a glass. Add ice (preferably a giant piece of bar ice).

The Sbagliato

(This is a very refreshing version of a Negroni and a little less alcohol forward. FYI, when I was learning Italian I had an epiphany…Sbagliato literally means, “mistake”. When I researched the story behind it, a bar man in Milan accidentally grabbed a bottle of Prosecco instead of gin and this was born. I’m suspect since the bottle shapes are different, as is the proportions. Nevertheless, it’s delicious!)

4 parts Prosecco
1 part sweet vermouth
1 part Campari

Add liquor to an ice-filled glass. Top with club soda or San Pelligrino and a lime wheel.

The Aperol Spritz

(A version of the Sbagliato, famous in Venice. Sip one of these at a cafe on the Grand Canal and and you’ll understand why. Aperol is a slightly less bitter version of Campari.)

4 parts Prosecco
1 1/2 Aperol

Add liquor to an ice-filled glass. Add an orange wheel or wedge.

Cheers, Cin Cin, Salute!