The Negroni, a classic Italian cocktail, has charmed cocktail enthusiasts worldwide with its perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal flavours. Whether you are hosting a sophisticated soirée or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, knowing how to make a Negroni can elevate any occasion.
A Brief History: What is a Negroni?
The Negroni cocktail has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It is widely believed that the drink was invented in 1919 in Florence, Italy, by Count Camillo Negroni. The story goes that Count Negroni asked his friend and bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his favourite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was the birth of the Negroni, a robust and sophisticated cocktail that quickly gained popularity.
How to Make Negroni Cocktail: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a Negroni is as simple as it is delightful. Follow these steps to craft the perfect Negroni at home:
1. Prepare Your Negroni Glass: A classic rocks glass, also known as an old-fashioned glass, is the ideal choice for serving a Negroni. The glass should be chilled for the best experience.
2. What is in a Negroni?
• 1 part Gin
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part Sweet Vermouth
• Ice
• Orange peel (for garnish)
3. Mixing the Cocktail:
• Fill your Negroni glass with ice.
• Pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over the ice in equal parts.
• Stir gently until the mixture is well chilled.
• Garnish with a twist of orange peel, gently expressing the oils over the drink before placing it in the glass.
Let’s take a Look at How It’s Done….
Choosing the Best Gin for Negroni
The gin you choose can significantly impact the flavour profile of your Negroni. For a truly exceptional cocktail, we recommend exploring the selection at Farmfetch. Here are a few top picks:
• Silverback Mountain Strength Gin: Known for its citrus-forward profile with notes of orange, honey, lemongrass, and spice, this gin adds a robust and complex flavour to your Negroni .
• FIDRA Scottish Gin: This coastal gin features botanicals like rosehip, sea buckthorn, and lemon thyme, offering a fragrant and slightly salty tang that complements the bitter elements of the Negroni .
• Biggar Gin – Herbaceous Edition: With its earthy notes of lemon verbena, sage, elderflower, and dandelion root, this gin provides a unique and herbal twist to the classic cocktail .
• SILCo St Ives Original Gin: Inspired by the flavours of St Ives, this gin includes fresh herbs, local seaweed, gorse flowers, and lemongrass, providing a beautifully fragrant and refreshing base for your Negroni .
Understanding Calories in a Negroni
For those mindful of their caloric intake, it’s helpful to know the approximate calories in a Negroni. A typical Negroni contains about 200 calories per serving. This estimate can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and quantities of the ingredients used.
Ready-Made Negroni Options
If you prefer the convenience of pre-made cocktails, you can purchase a ready-made Negroni from Farmfetch.co.uk. The Pine Forest Negroni offers the classic taste you love without the hassle of mixing the ingredients yourself. Perfect for quick enjoyment or gifting to a Negroni enthusiast.
Negroni: A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Taste
The Negroni remains a timeless favourite for its simplicity and sophistication. By following these steps and selecting a high-quality gin, you can enjoy a perfectly balanced Negroni at home. Remember, the key to a great Negroni lies not only in the ingredients but also in the care and precision with which it is made.
The Perfect Negroni Glass…
FAQ’s
Is Negroni better with Aperol or Campari?
Whether a Negroni is better with Aperol or Campari is a matter of personal preference, as both options offer distinct flavours and characteristics. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which might suit your taste better:
Campari
• Flavour Profile: Campari has a more intense, bitter flavour with pronounced herbal and citrus notes.
• Alcohol Content: Campari has a higher alcohol content (typically around 25% ABV).
• Traditional Choice: Using Campari is the traditional way to make a Negroni, giving it its characteristic bold and bitter taste.
• Colour: Campari gives the Negroni a deep, rich red colour.Aperol
• Flavour Profile: Aperol is milder and sweeter compared to Campari, with flavours of orange, rhubarb, and various herbs.
• Alcohol Content: Aperol has a lower alcohol content (around 11% ABV).
• Less Bitter: A Negroni made with Aperol is less bitter and more approachable for those who prefer a sweeter and less intense drink.
• Colour: Aperol results in a lighter, more orange-hued Negroni.Choosing Between Campari and Aperol
• Traditionalists: If you enjoy classic cocktails with a strong, bitter profile, Campari is the way to go.
• Newcomers or Sweet-Tooths: If you prefer a sweeter, less bitter drink or are new to Negronis, Aperol can be a more palatable option.Ultimately, the choice depends on your taste preferences. Some cocktail enthusiasts even enjoy experimenting with a combination of both Aperol and Campari to find a balance that suits their palate.
For a classic Negroni, stick with Campari. For a lighter, slightly sweeter twist, try Aperol. Enjoy experimenting to discover your preferred version!
Is Negroni Very Strong?
Yes, the Negroni is considered a strong cocktail. The strength of a Negroni primarily comes from its equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, each of which is a high-proof spirit or fortified wine. Here is a breakdown of its strength:
1. Gin: Typically around 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).
2. Campari: Usually around 25% ABV.
3. Sweet Vermouth: Approximately 15% ABV.When these ingredients are mixed in equal parts, the resulting cocktail generally has an alcohol content of around 24% ABV. This makes the Negroni stronger than many other cocktails, which often include mixers that dilute the alcohol content.
Additionally, because the Negroni is typically served over ice in a small rocks glass, it is not heavily diluted by mixers, maintaining its potent alcohol content throughout the drinking experience.