The Impossible Negroni

The Negroni is a popular Italian cocktail, that has seen a newfound popularity over the past couple of years. This bitter, herbal drink is made from equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari, served over ice and garnished with an orange peel. Properly made the Negroni is stirred, not shaken, and built over ice in an old fashioned or ‘rocks’ glass. My version differs slightly in that I had no vermouth so I substituted the Lillet.

About the ingredients

About Campari

Campari is a spirit comprised of a blend of complex flavors, the most prominent from the bittersweet orange, with notes of cherry, clove, and cinnamon. While it’s taste and smell is a lot like Aperol, Aperol has an alcohol content of 11%—less than half that of Campari and Aperol is less bitter in taste.

About Lillet

Lillet is a French wine-based aperitif from Podensac. It is a blend of 85% Bordeaux region wines and 15% macerated liqueurs, mostly citrus liqueurs. The mix is then stirred in oak vats until blended. The Bordeaux-based French aperitif Lillet is often categorized with vermouth. Although it is very much a category of its own, it does behave like a sweet vermouth.

About Hendrick’s Gin

Hendrick’s is one of my favorite gins. It’s unusual in that it’s created from eleven different botanicals which include infusions of rose & cucumber resulting in an exquisitely balanced gin.

How to create The Impossible Negroni

If you don’t have Lillet or Hendrick’s in the house you can substitute the gin and vermouth for the Lillet. The Campari, however, is a must, and the essential component to the Negroni.

Serves 2

2 oz Vermouth or Lillet
2 oz Gin

2 oz gin

2 peels of orange (Lemon can be substituted)
In a large class or shaker

Fill a large glass or shaker with ice and equal parts of the campari, gin and Lillet (vermouth) and stir well.
Pour into 2 double old fashioned (lowball) cocktail glasses filled with ice cubes.
Garnish with orange peel and serve.

Corona Cocktail Hour: The Impossible Negroni

Cheers!

Fall is the season of all seasons. Most proclaim it to be their absolute most favorite of the four. I know it this the case for me. As we ease into her days gently, warm summer breezes still linger in the air. The sun still shines down with a radiant heat giving us comfort that summer hasn't altogether departed as big yellow busses deliver our children from our loving arms to those of their teachers. Then slowly the temperatures start to drop bit by bit as the leaves gently start to turn, yellow, then orange and red as they sail on down to cover our streets and lawns. Our landscapes become fiery-like. We reach for sweaters and blankets and shut our windows. We light candles and fires, cook soups, stews and bake pies. We relish the season and the bounty it offers up as we pick pumpkins, pears and apples. Children go for hayrides and eat cider donuts and sip delicious freshly pressed apple cider eager anticipating what might be their favorite holiday of the year, excited to dress up in costume and fill their bags with all sorts of wonderful candy.

There's something about a cocktail that's more elegant and festive than a glass of wine, especially when you're entertaining. Following are some creative autumnal inspirations to help us celebrate this magnificent season.

1. bourbon + spiced pear cocktail

10 Elegant and Simple Cocktails You Must Make this Fall - The Entertaining House

Bourbons, ryes and whiskeys have made a huge comeback for the deep flavors and smooth finishes. Combined with Pear and herbs it offers a mashup of sweet, savory, herbaceous, and bitter aromas and flavors. For this recipe hop on over to Holly & Flora who developed this recipe for Urban Outfitters.

2. Spiced Apple Margaritas

Today's Margarita has come a long way baby. Gone are the days when the drink was synonymous with frozen, sickly sweet. The modern version is cleaned up, equal parts tart and just slightly sweet, just enough to offer a balance sweetened with a small amount of simple syrup or agave. We think that the apple cider and the cinnamon partner up perfectly with a smooth tequila, making this one drink that perfectly transitions from summer to fall. Recipe is provided by Cookie + Kate.

3. Apple Pie Sangria

A hearty red wine, some crisp, sweet fall apples prove to be the perfect partners for this hearty fall cocktail. With slightly bolder flavors than your summer sangria it is still refreshing on a warm fall day. Spanish wines like Riojas, Tempranillos or Grenaches, work well for this twist on a Spanish classic. For an additional kick try macerating the apples in the bourbon and Triple Sec before adding them to the wine. For this and any sangria it's best to stick with the inexpensive bottles of wine. This recipe can be found over at Sugar and Charm.

4. Apple Cider Mimosas

Dress up your Brunch Menu for fall. It's time to shake things up a little and ditch the OJ and bring out that freshly pressed apple cider. Champagne, always elegant - Mimosas always a favorite... The Apple Cider Mimosa is a natural fall party pleaser. To make this simply replace the orange juice with the cider. Add as much or as little cider as you wish. Photograph: The Cookie Rookie

5. Cranberry Tangerine Negroni

A simple cocktail made with equal parts sweet vermouth, gin and Campari, served chilled with a slice of orange. Taking center stage here is the Campari an Italian liquor that is bright red in color and as intensely bitter as it is colorful. Made from infused herbs and citrus it is an acquired requires a rather sophisticated taste. For those who prefer a serious cocktail this will not disappoint. Image and recipe from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

6. Fig and Bourbon

Made from Bourbon and Agnostura bitters, simple syrup and club soda, this drink's sophistication relies on the bitters and bourbon - The fig is more or less for decor, but I chose it for its relative simplicity. And maybe also for the coupe which is enjoying a newfound popularity. This might be the season to rummage through your mother's or grandmother's stemware and claim your right to family treasures! (If not, Goodwill might serve you just as well!) Photo credit and exact recipe via A Cocktail Life.

7. Fig Rum Swizzle

While we are on the subject of figs. Even though Bourbon is a hot drink right now, it's not for everyone. Here Gosling's meets lime juice, fig syrup and bitters which sounds smooth, complex and a little gentler to the palate for those who prefer. Again you will see the addition of bitters. I love how the fig's flavor is infused with the simple syrup. Recipe and image via Girl in the Little Red Kitchen.

8. Vanilla Infused Pear Dark and Stormy

Perhaps we should call this how to seamlessly transition your favorite cocktails from summer to fall. Pear juice is infused with the ginger beer and rum. Having a hard time locating pear juice, I have a sneaking suspicion that apple cider would be a great alternative... or apple pear cider... or apple cider and cranberry juice. My Baking Addiction shares her recipe, but I think you can get really creative with this come up with your own adaptations.

9. Pumpkin Pie and Bourbon Pear Cocktail

Fear not pumpkin spice lovers, I haven't forgotten you. I think you'll find Honestly Yum's Pumpkin Pie and Bourbon Pear Cocktail to be just what your taste buds have been craving. She "spices" up her bourbon, infuses some pear simple syrup... and voila.

10. Jamie Oliver's Incredible Mulled Cider

Nothing is as synonymous with fall, especially New England Fall, as a warm mug of apple cider. Oliver adds star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, orange, clementines and pomegranate to give it a unique flavor. His version calls for "scrumpy" an alcoholic version of cider which we don't have in the states. I'd follow the recipe as is and add a splash (or a few) of a good bourbon or whiskey for that grown up edge. Recipe and image via Jamie Oliver.