The origin of the Negroni is as captivating as the iconic drink itself. It’s the early 20th-century tale of Camillo Negroni, a hard-drinking Italian gambler, cowboy and count. Not happy with the drink in vogue, the Americano (sweet vermouth, Campari, club soda), Count Negroni requested his be made with gin instead of soda. Soon, people were ordering what Negroni was having. Its biting flavors can catch you off guard, but this bittersweet botanical beauty is one of our favorite cocktails. Simply stir together equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth with ice. The Negroni — we’ll have what he’s having.
This article appears in June 2014.
