If there was one cocktail that defined the point at which you had 'made it' into the realm of the cocktail enthusiast it would be the Negroni. Whilst there are exceptions to every rule, it would usually be considered an 'acquired taste', and thus unsuitable for those who are new to the world of cocktail imbibing. It is however, almost universally revered amongst those who would think of themselves as aficionados of the mixed drink. The 'acquired' part of its taste is the fact that it is a bitter-tasting drink on account of one of the ingredients, Campari. Produced to a secret recipe using an infusion of herbs, aromatic plants and fruit into a mix of neutral alcohol and water, Campari has been around since 1860 and shows no sign of disappearing any time soon.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Bitter orange with a spicy herbal background combines with fruity mix of cherry, pomegranate and strawberry. Nothing else smells like Campari!
Neat: The bright red colour of this spirit is reflected in its taste, for it is a mischievous devil. Like a naughty schoolboy creeping up on you to play a prank, the early stages are quite innocuous. The initial taste is rather sweet, but it fades quickly to reveal a pleasant burst of citrus followed by a complex herbal medley of flavours. Just as the herbs start to dance around the tongue, so the bitterness starts to build; and it keeps building, and then builds a bit more. This is a bitter-tasting drink that likes to assert itself by hanging around on the palate for quite some time after you have swallowed the last drop. Some will find this rather offensive, but given a little patience, I find most people come around to Campari's way of thinking!
FOOD PAIRING
Mixing: There is no getting away from the fact Campari is bitter in taste, and many of the best cocktails in which it is found make use of this quality to full effect and are best consumed as an aperitif. The Negroni (recipe below) is quite possibly the most famous of all, and for good reason. Traditionally equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, it is a great drink to experiment with and find your perfect balance of flavours.
Signature Cocktail – Negroni
35ml gin, 35ml Campari, 35ml sweet vermouth Stir ingredients briefly over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with an orange slice.
Signature Cocktail – Americano
50ml Campari Bitter, 50ml sweet vermouth, soda Add Campari and vermouth to a highball glass filled with ice and top with soda. Garnish with an orange slice.
