Where Did It Come From and Why Is It Seemingly Everywhere?
The story of the Negroni begins in the early 20th century in Florence, Italy. The cocktail’s origin is most commonly attributed to Count Camillo Negroni, an Italian nobleman and bon vivant with a love for strong drinks. The tale goes that in 1919, Count Negroni walked into Caffè Casoni, a bar in Florence (then known as Caffè Giacosa), and asked the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to make his favorite drink, the Americano – consisting of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda – a bit stronger. The Count requested that the soda water be replaced with gin, likely inspired by his time in London, where gin was all the rage. Quick of mind and mixing, Scarselli obliged and garnished the drink with an orange peel instead of the traditional lemon slice used in an Americano, and thus, the Negroni was born.
The new cocktail quickly gained popularity, becoming a hit with the café’s patrons who started asking for a “Negroni.” By the 1920s, the Negroni had established itself as a staple in Italy’s bars and cafés. The combination of the herbal bitterness of Campari, the aromatic botanicals of gin, and the sweetness of vermouth struck a chord with drinkers. The drink’s simplicity also made it an easy cocktail to replicate.
It’s Always 5 o’clock Somewhere: An Introduction to Aperitivo Hour
One of the best exports since pizza, Aperitivo cocktail culture is a longstanding Italian tradition centered around pre-dinner drinks designed to stimulate the appetite. Originating in Northern Italy, particularly in cities like Milan and Turin, the aperitivo is a social ritual that usually takes place in the early evening, from around 6 to 8 PM. It offers a moment of relaxation and socialization after the workday, often accompanied by light snacks or small plates known as stuzzichini.
Convenience is King: Ready to Drink Negronis
The simplicity of the Negroni’s method and ingredients means it lends itself perfectly to ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. Pre-mixed with the perfect balance of gin, vermouth, and Campari, they capture the iconic bitter-sweet flavor in a bottle or can, often with their own little twist on the classic flavor profile. Ideal for those seeking a premium cocktail without the hassle of preparation.
Alternative Bitters to Add Bite to Your Cocktails
Gamondi is an Italian aperitif known for its balanced and aromatic profile. Crafted in the Piedmont region, it is a blend of botanicals, herbs, and spices, reflecting traditional aperitivo culture. It has the classic combination of bitterness and sweetness, making it perfect for classic pre-dinner cocktails like the Negroni or Spritz.
Alternative Takes on the Negroni
White Negroni
Ingredients:
- 30ml gin
- 30ml Lillet Blanc
- 30ml dry vermouth
- Grapefruit zest twist (to garnish)
Method:
- Add ice to your rocks glass to chill.
- Add the ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir.
- Pour over ice and garnish.
Negroni Sbagliato
Ingredients:
- 25ml Campari
- 25ml sweet Vermouth
- Prosecco
- Orange slice to garnish
Method:
- In a highball glass, pour the Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Add cubed ice and gently add in the prosecco.
- Stir contents together.
- Garnish with the orange slice.
