Celebrating 100 Years of the Negroni: A Classic Cocktail for Negroni Week

Ah, the Negroni—a drink so timeless, so sophisticated, that it’s managed to stay relevant for *100 years*! That’s right, folks, this year marks the centennial of the Negroni, making Negroni Week even more special. So, grab your cocktail shaker and join us as we toast to a century of this beloved drink, dive into its fascinating history, and share three delicious recipes to try at home. 🍸✨

A Sip of History: How the Negroni Came to Be

Our story begins in Florence, Italy, back in 1919 (or 1920, depending on who you ask). A certain Count Camillo Negroni, known for his adventurous spirit, walked into Caffè Casoni and asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to strengthen his favorite drink—the *Americano*—by swapping out the soda water for gin. Scarselli, being a good sport, did exactly that and added an orange garnish instead of the usual lemon.

The result? A strong, bitter, and entirely delicious cocktail that would eventually bear the count’s name. Fast forward to today, and the Negroni is still a go-to for anyone who loves a well-balanced cocktail.

In fact, its simplicity—just three ingredients in equal parts—has helped it stand the test of time, and it's beloved by cocktail aficionados and casual sippers alike. Whether you like it classic, with a twist, or totally revamped, there’s a Negroni recipe for every taste.

The Classic Negroni Recipe 🥃

Let’s start with the OG. The classic Negroni is a symphony of three ingredients: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It’s bittersweet, refreshing, and packs a punch—just how Count Negroni intended.

**Ingredients:**

- 1 oz gin

- 1 oz Campari

- 1 oz sweet vermouth

- Orange peel, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Pour in the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

3. Stir until well-chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with an orange peel, and voilà!

This is the perfect introduction to the Negroni if you’ve never tried it. But for those looking to mix things up (pun intended), we’ve got two more recipes that give this classic a modern twist.

Negroni Sbagliato (A Happy Accident) 🥂

“Sbagliato” translates to "mistake" in Italian, but don’t let the name fool you—this is no mistake! Legend has it that a bartender accidentally grabbed sparkling wine instead of gin, and thus, the lighter, bubblier *Negroni Sbagliato* was born. Perfect for those who want a little fizz with their bitterness.

**Ingredients:**

- 1 oz Campari

- 1 oz sweet vermouth

- 1 oz sparkling wine (Prosecco works great!)

- Orange slice, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. In a glass filled with ice, add the Campari and sweet vermouth.

2. Top it off with sparkling wine.

3. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

It’s the perfect brunch cocktail or for when you want something lighter but still bold.

White Negroni (A Fresh Twist) 🍋

Now for something a little different—*the White Negroni*. This version swaps out the traditional gin and Campari for lighter, herbaceous ingredients, giving it a totally different vibe while still retaining that Negroni DNA. This is your go-to for hot summer days when you want something crisp and refreshing.

**Ingredients:**

- 1 oz gin

- 1 oz Lillet Blanc (or dry vermouth)

- 1 oz Suze (a French bitter liqueur)

- Lemon twist, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Add the gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze.

3. Stir until well-chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass with ice.

5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The White Negroni has a slightly softer, floral bitterness, making it a great alternative for those who want something a little less intense but still wonderfully balanced.

Cheers to a Century of Negronis! 🥳

As we raise our glasses to Negroni Week and celebrate 100 years of this iconic drink, let’s remember that the beauty of the Negroni lies in its versatility. Whether you stick to the classic or venture into modern variations, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this cocktail.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let’s celebrate Negroni Week with style. Happy sipping!