This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which closed in 2021.

Cocktail Hour -- Ode to the Negroni

When I don't know what I want to drink, or what to serve friends, I default to a Negroni. A classic cocktail with three ingredients, this drink doesn't require a minor in mixology or complicated bar equipment (you don't even need a shaker) -- and yet it is a damn solid drink. Here's how to make one.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.
Liquor.com

When I don't know what I want to drink, or what to serve friends, I default to a Negroni.

A classic cocktail with three ingredients, this drink doesn't require a minor in mixology or complicated bar equipment (you don't even need a shaker) -- and yet it is a damn solid drink.

Classic cocktails stand the test of time and the Negroni has earned its rightful position as staple drink. If you like, you can make these with painstaking love, one glass at a time, with finite precision with your garnish, but there is no need to get too precious. The beauty of this drink is its steadfast simplicity: a 1 to 1 to 1 ratio of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. If entertaining a group, you can cheat by making a batch (just don't add ice too far in advanced when making by the batch, it will melt and spoil your concoction).

Negronis belong in the martini family in the true sense of the term: straight alcohol, not a splash of anything. They pack a punch and have a beautiful complexity about them. Not too sweet, not too bitter and a gorgeous colour. The rich red of Campari screams summer for me, la dolce vita in a glass.

The drink was invented by a Count (really) who worked as a rodeo cowboy, if that's any indication of the drink's stock. Not a wimpy cocktail.

You will need:

•Gin

•Campari

•Sweet vermouth

•An orange

•Ice

Here's how to put it all together -- the perfect Negroni, in one minute.

Jackson Punch

50 Summer Cocktails

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.