The year was 1919, or at least so the story goes. The legend says Count Negroni first created the cocktail by ordering an Italian bartender to exchange the usual club soda for gin in an Americano. Maybe so. Regardless, the Negroni did not reach its global stardom until later in its life.
Roughly three decades later the first recipe for Negroni was published. Harry McElhone had several years earlier described The Boulevardier - a Negroni with bourbon instead of gin, or perhaps it is vice versa.
It was not the first. Perhaps it took inspiration from more senior cocktails. But for many connoisseurs, the Negroni is one of the world’s finest cocktails. Flavours which elegantly harmonise. Deeply intense and characteristically stiff - where a small sip will softly linger. In addition to this, it is very effortless to compose. Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. Et Voilà.
Never experiment with the proportions in a Negroni. It is perfect just the way it is. Balanced and delightful. Sure one can test with different brands of gin and vermouth, but the balance is key for a well composed Negroni.
It may not be a drink for cocktail novices, due to its stiffness. But it is rarely one would argue some training to acquire the taste for a drink is highly advisable. We are certain you will not regret it. Enjoying a perfect Negroni is truly one of the silver linings in the life of its religious fans.
Enjoy!
Illustrator: Sara Gezelius