illustrations by Ethan Colchamiro
In this edition of “Mix Your Menu,” our ongoing series where we serve up fresh spins on classic cocktails, we’re highlighting a legendary drink: The Negroni.
Later this month will be the annual Negroni Week, a week-long celebration of one of the world’s most famous cocktails that also raises money for charities around the world. That’s a win-win! To date, Negroni Week fundraising has collectively tallied about $2,000,000.
Prepare your customers for this special time of the year with some exciting new takes on the drink, and for that, we turned to three of our talented mixologists for the recipes.
NEGRONI SOUR
Courtesy of Mike Henderson, Beverage Development Specialist, Breakthru Colorado
1.5 oz. London Dry Gin
.75 oz. Italian liqueur
.75 oz. sweet vermouth
.75 oz. lemon juice
.75 oz. simple syrup
1 egg white
Glass: Cocktail Coupe
Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake without ice until emulsified. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain into a cocktail coupe.
Garnish: Orange slice
GRAPEFRUIT LAVENDER NEGRONI
Courtesy of Dan Dufek, Beverage Development Specialist, Breakthru Wisconsin
1 oz. London Dry or New Western Style Dry Gin
1 oz. Bianco vermouth
.5 oz. bitter aperitivo liqueur
.5 oz. Grapefruit liqueur
2 sashes lavender bitters
Glass: Rocks/Double Old Fashioned
Method: Add all ingredients to mixing glass. Add ice and stir well for 15-20 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in rocks glass.
Garnish: Wide strip of grapefruit peel, expressed over top of drink, rubbed around rim of glass, then placed on top of drink.
ITALIAN STARTER
Courtesy of Alex Alfonso, Beverage Development Specialist, Breakthru Florida
1 oz. American dry gin
.5 oz. Sweet vermouth
.5 oz Italian liqueur
Top with grapefruit tonic or grapefruit soda
Glass: Rocks/Double Old Fashioned
Method: Build in a glass over ice, stir and strain.
Garnish: Grapefruit wheel