Negroni — Italian bittersweet classic, the ultimate adult appetizer cocktail 🍊🥃✨

The Negroni is a century-old classic cocktail originating in Florence, Italy. Combining equal parts gin, red vermouth (sweet liqueur), and Campari bitters, it boasts a vibrant orange-red color, a balanced bittersweet flavor, and a distinct personality. It's a signature "adult" drink for many bartenders and seasoned drinkers alike. This drink is not only highly sought after in bars around the world, but has even spawned a week-long celebration called "Negroni Week." We believe the Negroni is more than just a drink; it embodies the Italian lifestyle: simple yet refined, unique and enduring.

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Negroni classic recipe

• Gin 30ml

• Campari Bitters 30ml

• Vermouth Rosso 30ml

• Ice cubes

• Orange peel or slices for garnish

Classic Negroni Recipe

1. Place plenty of ice in a rock glass.

2. Add equal amounts of gin, Campari, and red vermouth.

3. Stir with a spoon for about 20 seconds to allow the ingredients to cool and combine thoroughly.

4. Squeeze fresh orange peel on the rim of the cup and pour it into the cup as decoration to release the refreshing orange aroma.

5. You can also use orange slices as decoration to enhance the visual and aroma.

Taste characteristics

The Negroni boasts a distinctly bittersweet flavor profile. Campari imparts a distinctive herbal bitterness, while sweet alginate complements the fruity sweetness and layered flavors. Gin offers a refreshing, vegetal note. Served on the rocks, it's chilled and rich yet not cloying, making it a perfect "adult" drink designed to train your palate. It's a great appetizer, perfect before a meal or to cool down on a summer night in Hong Kong.

Historical Origins and Cultural Interesting Anecdotes

Legend has it that in 1919, Count Camillo Negroni, a regular at Bar Casoni in Florence, asked local bartenders to replace the soda water in the original Americano cocktail (consisting of Campari, sweet liqueur, and soda water) with gin to create a stronger, more aromatic drink. The Negroni was named after him, and it became an instant hit. It has since become one of Italy's most iconic cocktails, requiring only three ingredients and a one-step recipe, making it incredibly simple.

My personal suggestion

• Amateurs can use equal amounts of the three ingredients and fine-tune the strength of gin or the proportion of wormwood according to their personal taste, which is very personalized.

• The orange peel must be freshly squeezed, and the natural oil aroma is the soul of Negroni.

• You can try the "Negroni Sbagliato" (using sparkling wine instead of gin) or the White Negroni (using Lillet Blanc and Suze instead), and create new experiences through different combinations.

• Perfect for a leisurely sip with friends at night in Hong Kong, this cocktail is a must-try for both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs.

• Editor's note: It may be difficult to swallow for the first time, but once you learn to appreciate it, you will definitely love it.

The Negroni represents the bittersweet, simple yet sophisticated Italian philosophy of life. Hong Kong friends, why not slow down and make yourself a Negroni with its vibrant red and orange flavors, savoring the Italian flair and taste! 🍊🥃🕴️