Negroni Week

The Negroni. One of the few cocktails I have enjoyed for years. It is the cocktail that made me fall in love with various spirits that I used to despise, Campari and Gin. Now, I am amazed to even think I did not enjoy these flavors when I was younger. Just more proof that as one becomes older and wiser, so becomes one's palate.

I happen to admire this cocktail so much that I shared my respect for it last year in a previous post .  Therefore, you cannot be too surprised to know how excited I am that Imbibe and Campari are teaming up on June 2nd for Negroni Week, a Drink for a Cause. Participating locations will be promoting the classic cocktail, and a portion of the earnings will go to a charity of choice. Everything from the vintage recipe to the modernist creation will be to your savoring, depending on the location you plan to go to.

Since I live in DC, I plan to tour around the participating locations in the area. So check the event's website out to see which bars and restaurants are celebrating the one and only Negroni in your area. I will share some of my favorites and not so favorites so stay tuned.

The Negroni

The Cardinal ...Camparinette...Americano...Negroni. This classic cocktail has gradually become one of my very favorite cocktails to both drink and make. I first tried this cocktail in Europe very many years ago and I think my palette was not developed enough at the time, because I did not enjoy it as much as I do now. This magenta masterpiece is very simple to make but also has a variety of flavors. Let's face it, when a drink consists the combination of distinct flavor profiles such as Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth, one must know that this drink has something to say.

The Negroni was not considered the "Negroni" until the early 20th century in Florence, Italy. A Count by the name of Camillo Negroni once asked for a stronger version of an Americano (Campari, Sweet Vermouth and club soda) at a bar, and the bartender replaced the soda with gin. The rest is history.

The Negroni fell behind the spotlight until recent years, particularly in America. Now, many trending restaurants and bars are bringing this historic drink back on the stage. There are restaurants such as Fig in Charleston, South Carolina that constructed an uber-creative Negroni cocktail menu in 2011 (www.eatfig.com).

Another great component to the Negroni is that it is somewhat versatile. You can make it on the rocks or straight. You can vary on what you would like to do with the orange, whether its zest, juice, bitters or a peel. Just about any Gin will work for a Negroni and you can use either a rocks glass over ice or a coupe glass. You can also vary the pours, however I like mine equal parts Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this classic a try. It is well worth it.