A neutron walks into a bar and asks “How much for a Negroni?” And the Bartender replies, “For you, No charge!”
September is turning out to be a cocktail extravaganza, and right now, we’re in the midst of Negroni Week, celebrating the timeless classic that is the Negroni.
The recipe for this iconic drink is as straightforward as it gets:
Negroni
- One part gin
- One part Campari
- One part sweet vermouth
- Garnish with a twist of orange
Alcohol: 22% Sugars: 12 g
Sweetness: 4/10
Piece of cake, right? But behind this simplicity hides a captivating history.
The Negroni cocktail traces its roots back to Italy in the early 20th century. Legend has it that a certain Count Camillo Negroni strolled into a Florence café and ordered an Americano, a trendy cocktail back then made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. But the Count had a little twist in mind. He asked the bartender to swap that soda water for gin, and just like that, the Negroni we know and adore today was born.
This minor change transformed the drink into something richer, bolder, and more complex – perfect for those who craved a stronger libation. The Negroni quickly became a hit, not just in Italy but all over the world, carving out its place in cocktail history.
Throughout the years, mixologists and enthusiasts put their own spin on the Negroni, crafting variations that paid homage to the original while introducing new flavors and ingredients. Negroni Week now serves as a global celebration of this enduring cocktail, where bars and cocktail lovers unite to raise their glasses in its honor.
So, as you sip on your classic Negroni this week, remember you’re not just savoring a tasty drink; you’re also toasting to a slice of cocktail history that began with a simple twist and evolved into a timeless classic. Cheers to Negroni Week and the eternal Negroni cocktail!
Our favorite Negroni videos:
The Educated Barfly:
How to Drink:
Anders Erickson makes both the Negroni and the Americano:
Kevin Kos shows the Evolution of the Negroni: