Negroni

Have you come around to Campari yet? It is bitter red Italian liqueur, and it is most famously featured in the negroni. (Did I mention it is bitter?) It is one of those acquired tastes that is a bit off-putting at first, but once you wrap your tongue around it, you wonder why you ever hesitated at that first sip.

I only recently picked up a bottle, but I knew right away that I wanted to make a negroni. If you have read anything at all about Campari, you will read the phrase "featured in the negroni and other cocktails." The negroni is what always gets top billing. It is a classic cocktail, dating back to 1919, but it still feels quite modern and sophisticated. It certainly is a bitter drink, but it is also sweet and herbal.

But here's a little something that makes me like this drink even more (and also reveals just how lazy/forgetful I am). The negroni involves equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Equal parts! That means I will always remember how to make this drink. Cheers to that.

Negroni

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 orange twist

Stir gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a lowball glass. Stir in ice. Garnish with orange twist.