Cocktail of the Month: Negroni

OVERVIEW

The legendary (and boozy) Italian cocktail.

One of my all-time favorite cocktails, it is believed that the Negroni traces its origins back to Italy in the early 20th century. The original recipe consists of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and there have been several variations of Negronis throughout its existence. The recipe for the Rangpur Negroni below serves as a slight variation of the classic cocktail, using Tanqueray gin made from rangpur limes.

1 ounce gin (Tanqueray Rangpur)

1 ounce ounce Montenegro Italiano

1 ounce sweet vermouth (Martini & Rosso, Noilly Prat or Carpano Antica Formula)

Orange peel

PREPARATION

Add all ingredients to a rocks glass filled with ice and STIR. Pinch orange peel over the cocktail and use it as a garnish.

ALTERNATIVE(S)

As previously mentioned, there are many variations of the Negroni, and the taste and complexity of the cocktail can be completely altered by simply replacing Campari for an amaro. In the version above, I decided to exchange Campari for the slightly more bitter and intensely alcoholic Montenegro Amaro Italiano. The number of botanicals used in Montenegro makes it an interesting choice, but other amari – such as Amaro Nonino Quintessentia and Averna Amaro – can be used as well. Regardless of the Campari vs. Amaro decision, the addition of rangpur lime-flavored gin introduces a unique citrus flavor and provides true separation from the traditional Negroni.