A COCKTAIL YOU'LL LOVE. COUNT ON IT.

How a bibulous Count created a classic apéritif you can enjoy anytime.

You would think that leading the charge in battle during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 would guarantee one a mention in the history books, but not so for Pascal Olivier Count de Negroni. The French general is far more well known for the cocktail he inadvertently created while seeking a stronger buzz.

Count Negroni, while patronizing a local café in Italy in 1919, asked the bartender to strengthen his then-favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the seltzer water with gin. The bartender obliged and went one step further by swapping the lemon you’d usually get with an Americano with an orange garnish instead. Soon the cocktail took off and the rest is history.

Although on the bitter side, the Negroni is balanced out by the fruity sweetness from the vermouth and orange garnish. Don't be discouraged at first – it's an acquired taste.

The Negroni is technically considered an apéritif – a drink that is typically served before or after a meal. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying it whenever. Spring is an ideal time to try one since it’s not too heavy or light… it fits the season perfectly.

{Negroni}

Ingredients

1 ½ oz. Gin*

1 ½ oz. Sweet Vermouth

1 ½ oz. Campari

Orange Slice (to garnish)

Prep

Combine all ingredients except garnish in a rocks glass with ice. Stir to combine and garnish with orange slice.

* The ideal gin for a Negroni should be well-balanced and juniper-forward.