3 New Ways to Drink a Negroni
Twists on the original, served straight up.
The Negroni is among the most classic drinks of all time, earning its place in the cocktail canon with its simple but iconic construction. Supposedly invented in Italy in 1919, Count Camillo Negroni is credited with inspiring the eponymous libation by requesting gin in his Americano, rather than the soda water with which it is normally served.
Since then, it’s become a staple for bartenders and patrons alike who crave a beverage that is at once sweet, sour, and impressively boozy. But even a classic needs an update now and then. Just in time for Negroni Week (June 1-7), raise a glass to three new variations on the tried and true aperitif, whether you crave a spicier kick or a citrusy finish.
Stanny’s Negroni
By: Leo Robitschek, The NoMad
Recipe:
½ oz. Campari
¾ oz. Strawberry-Infused Cinzano Bianco
1 ½ oz. Wild Turkey 101 Rye
½ oz. Foro Amaro
2 dashes Angostura Orange
Tsp St. Germain
Stir and strain into Rocks glass with fresh ice.
“Named after Stanford White, the famous architect who designed the original Madison Square Garden, and lover of Evelyn Nesbit, the girl in the red velvet swing.”
All In
By: Natasha David, Nitecap NYC
Recipe:
1 ½ oz. WT 101 Rye
¾ oz. Campari
¾ oz. Cinzano Extra Dry
¼ oz. Crème de Cacao
Stir and strain into Nick and Nora glass
Garnish: Discarded Lemon Twist
“The “All In” represents the spirit of the Lower East Side because it’s constantly reinventing itself, yet always maintains some of its rock and roll grit.”
Royal Promise
By: Erick Castro, Boilermaker NYC
Recipe:
1 oz. Campari
½ oz. Espolon Tequila
1 ½ oz. Lillet Rose
Double old fashioned glass, garnish with grapefruit peel
“This cocktail is perfect for the warm weather months in NYC. It is playful, yet bold, so it is not to be taken too lately — much like the East Village.”
If you’re ready for a deeper dive into the world of spirits, look out for bars near you celebrating Negroni Week. All across the world, from Greece to Australia to California, over 3,500 bars are participating in this charitable challenge that tasks bartenders with inventing their own twist on the classic drink. A dollar for every Negroni sold will go to the organization of the bar’s choosing—good for your tastebuds, and good for the world.