The perfect Negroni: A classic rediscovered with THORALM Dry Gin

Imagine: a warm summer evening in Florence, the light of the setting sun casting golden shadows on the historic facades, and in your hand you hold a glass filled with a deep red elixir - the Negroni. This cocktail, which has delighted connoisseurs and gourmets alike for over a century, is much more than just a drink. It is a symbol of the art of the aperitif and a masterpiece of the balance between bitterness and sweetness.

The perfect Negroni recipe

The Negroni is not only a symbol of style and sophistication, but also a testament to the Italian way of life, which emphasizes celebrating the little moments in life. To create an authentic Negroni, you will need the following ingredients:

• 30 ml THORALM Dry Gin
• 30 ml red vermouth
• 30 ml Campari
• orange peel for garnish

Preparation:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the THORALM Dry Gin, the red vermouth and the Campari.
3. Stir the mixture gently until it is well chilled.
4. Pour the cocktail into a tumbler with a large ice cube.
5. Garnish with an orange peel to intensify the flavor.

Why THORALM Dry Gin?

THORALM Dry Gin is the ideal choice for a Negroni. With its balanced blend of juniper, citrus notes and subtle botanical nuances, it perfectly complements the bitter notes of Campari and the sweetness of red vermouth. Its fine structure and the clarity of the aromas give the red cocktail a special depth and complexity that cannot be achieved with a conventional gin. In addition, THORALM Dry Gin is distilled in small batches, which guarantees the highest quality and purity. The interplay of the high-quality botanicals in THORALM Dry Gin takes the classic aromas of the Negroni to a new level and ensures an incomparable taste experience.

The History of the Negroni

The Negroni has its roots in the early 20th century and was born in Florence, Italy. Legend has it that Count Camillo Negroni in 1919 at the Caffè Casoni he wanted his usual Americano to be a little stronger. He asked the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to replace the soda water with gin. This is how the Negroni was born - a cocktail that has stood the test of time and established itself as a classic.

What is Count Camillo Negroni all about?

Count Camillo Negroni was a bon vivant, a soldier of fortune and a gambler, a life-loving playboy who liked to spend his nights in bars until the sunrise told him it was time to go home. We have this wicked count to thank for a cocktail that is celebrating its centenary this year and is a staple in every bar from Alaska to New Zealand. The Negroni, consisting of Campari, gin and vermouth, is one of the most popular alcoholic mixtures since the invention of the bar stool. A cult drink "that has as many variations," notes the bartender magazine "Mixology," "as number combinations at the roulette table."

Long before the Negroni, there was a drink in Italy called Milano Torino, a simple mixture of Campari and Amaro served on ice with a lemon zest. It was probably American tourists who asked Italian bartenders to adapt this drink. Americans like to drink soda, and so it is possible that the Milano Torino gave rise to the Americano, a mixture of Campari, vermouth and soda. This drink is considered the real forefather of the Negroni.

How did today’s Negroni come about?

This is where the wicked Count Negroni comes into play. Legend has it that he was the one who, one night in his favorite bar, the "Café Casoni" in Florence, whispered to the bartender Fosco Scarselli, somewhat bored, that he should make an Americano for adults, because he had long since grown tired of the weak-chested drink and wanted something stronger. After all, life is not always kind to him, so he needs a little more alcohol and damn it, not soda.

Scarselli, a smart guy behind the bar, reacted quickly and reached for gin instead of soda. A momentous decision, because it was the birth of the Negroni. Campari, vermouth and gin, that was it, a simple but ingenious mixture with plenty of alcohol. And to make the newly created drink even more different from the Americano, he garnished the whole thing with an orange slice instead of lemon zest.

Scarselli's classic Negroni has been mutated millions of times. One of the most famous variants is the Negroni Sbagliato, which is said to have been created purely by accident. According to legend, a bartender mistakenly (»sbagliato« means »wrong«) reached for the sparkling wine instead of the gin bottle - and once again, by chance, a cocktail was created that would later achieve world fame.

More interesting facts about the Negroni

The Negroni is more than just a cocktail - it's an experience. It symbolizes the aperitivo, an Italian tradition of relaxing with a drink and small bites before dinner. It's a time to get together with friends and family and enjoy life.

The perfect balance:

The Negroni is known for its perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness, making it an ideal aperitif to stimulate the palate and prepare for a delicious meal.

Variations:

• Negroni Sbagliato: A sparkling twist where the gin is replaced with prosecco.
• Boulevardier: A variation with bourbon instead of gin, which brings a warmer note.
• White Negroni: Made with white vermouth and Suze, a French bitter liqueur, for a lighter taste.

Cultural significance:

The Negroni is more than just a cocktail - it's an experience. It symbolizes the aperitivo, an Italian tradition of relaxing with a drink and small bites before dinner. It's a time to get together with friends and family and enjoy life.

Popularity and influence:

The Negroni's popularity has grown worldwide in recent years. Bars and restaurants around the world offer variations of this classic cocktail, and every June Negroni Week is celebrated, with bars worldwide dedicating their Negroni sales to charity.

Our conclusion on the Negroni

The Negroni is a timeless cocktail that no bar should be without. With the THORALM Dry Gin your Negroni will be a special treat that respects the tradition and elegance of this classic while opening up new taste horizons. Try our recipe and experience the popular cocktail at its best - stylish, sophisticated and unforgettable.

Photo: Brent Hofacker / stock.adobe.com