Bitter, sweet, dry and refreshing all at once, the Negroni is the ideal summer drink – and with only a few key ingredients, it’s relatively simple to make at home. While the traditional Italian cocktail is made with just three components – equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth – numerous bartenders around the world have come up with their own twists on the classic, mixing up the spirits, liqueurs and garnishes to create a fresh take on the staple. With summer now in full swing, we asked the Head of Bars at The Ned, Max Ostwald, to share his own recipe for the ultimate Negroni, as well as a couple of his favourite variations. Bottoms up!
The Classic
Ingredients
25ml gin – we use Star of Bombay
25ml vermouth – we use Martini Rubino
25ml Campari
Orange to garnish
Description:
The Negroni is one of the most popular cocktails in Ned’s Club. It’s actually a variation on another classic cocktail, the Americano. One part Campari, one part gin and one part sweet vermouth, it has never been a drink for the faint hearted.
Method:
Fill a rocks glass full of ice – we use Soho Home Barwell glasses. Pour in all of the 25 ml ingredients. Give it a quick stir and garnish with an orange slice.
The Nedgroni
Ingredients
25ml gin – we use Star of Bombay
15ml vermouth – we use Martini Rubino
25ml Campari
10ml Lanique Rose Liqueur
Grapefruit to garnish
Description:
This subtle twist is a slightly sweeter variation of the Negroni. The rose liqueur softens this cocktail, making it dangerously drinkable.
Method:
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in the 20ml measure of Campari, followed by the vermouth. Then add the gin and the rose liqueur and stir well. Cut a small slice of grapefruit for the garnish, and place it in the drink.
Boulevardier
Ingredients
makes one cocktail
40ml bourbon – we use Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
20ml sweet vermouth – we use Martini Rosso
20ml Campari
Orange to garnish
Description:
This is the sophisticated American cousin of the Negroni – replacing the gin with bourbon for a bit more oomph.
Method:
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in the measure of Campari, followed by the vermouth and the bourbon. Give it a quick stir and garnish with an orange slice.
The Ned, 27 Poultry, The City, London EC2R 8AJ
thened.com
