NEGRONI x 3

A RENAISSANCE

Over the past few years Gin has enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in America. Craft distillers all over the country— including NYC’s Brooklyn Gin, Dorothy Parker, and Greenhook Ginsmiths — have returned this versatile spirit to its rightful place. With it, we’ve seen a resurgence of many of the classic Prohibition-era cocktails like the French 75, the Vesper, the Bees Knees, and the Aviation.

However, the most popular by far is the Negroni. 

SIMPLICITY IS KEY

Designed to be an aperitif, the Negroni is a model of simplicity and balance. Three ingredients — Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth — in equal parts, get poured over ice, stirred gently, then garnished with an orange twist.  

The drink originated in Florence, Italy in 1919 at Caffè Casoni when Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano. He responded by replacing the seltzer with a portion of gin, and then traded out the lemon twist with that of an orange. This as a way of signifying to other diners that the drink was now something quite different than what they’d had elsewhere. 

The Negroni was an instant success in Europe, but it took some time to catch on in the States. Now, though, it is one of the most called for drinks in America… in third place behind the Martini and the Manhattan. 

Why, you ask? 

“First of all it’s delicious,” says Gotham Bar Director, Jason Hedges. But he ultimately he attributes its popularity to one important detail: “It’s simple to make, and therefore difficult to screw up.” 

THE RECIPES

In this week’s GOTHAM JOURNAL we share three cocktail recipes. You’ll find Jason’s version of a classic Negroni, as well as two unique riffs on the drink. Enjoy responsibly, share with friends, take some pictures, and then report back on your favorite! 

CLASSIC NEGRONI

• 1.5 oz Botanist Gin

• 1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth

• 1.5 oz Campari

• Garnish with an orange twist

AIRE DE MAR

• 1.5 oz Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila

• 1.5 oz Dolin Blanc

• 1.5 oz Manzanilla Sherry

• Dash of Lemon Bitters 

• Garnish with a lemon twist

BLACK BARREL NEGRONI

• 1.5 oz Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum

• 1.5 oz Punt e Mes

• 1.5 oz Bruto Americano

• Dash of Orange Bitters

• Garnish with an orange twist