Jun 18, 2019 Drinks
METRO X CAMPARI: The world’s most iconic cocktail celebrates its centenary.
With just one sip of a Negroni, you’re joining an exclusive, century-old club, from the noble to the famous. A recipe created in 1919, the magic ingredient in this iconic drink is Campari, one of the world’s most loved bitter spirits, known for its rich red hue that gives it its heart and signature colour.
The Negroni was created when Count Camilo Negroni requested his favourite cocktail, The Americano, be given more strength by replacing soda water with a splash of gin and an orange slice instead of the traditional lemon twist. While the Negroni boasts just three ingredients: sweet vermouth, bitter and vibrant Campari and a depth of flavour from gin, it is a coming together that has impressed those who seek an experience over simply “a drink”. Most memorably, the ruby red Negroni was enjoyed by James Bond in For Your Eyes Only, and actress Audrey Hepburn served the cocktail at her house during the filming of Roman Holiday.
The Negroni takes pride of place at second on the official cocktail list of the International Bartending Association. Replicated the world over to the traditional recipe which heroes Campari, it’s a favourite of bartenders and cocktail connoisseurs alike, and one that has stood the test of time.
Now with the famous cocktail celebrating its centenary, you too can join in the celebrations with Negroni Week (24-30 June), a charitable initiative embraced by bartenders worldwide. In 2018, almost 10,000 bars and restaurants raised in excess of $580,000 for charity. 2019 is set to be the biggest and most celebrated Negroni Week yet.
Negroni Week: A Drink for Your Cause
Over seven days, with three simple ingredients, you can give back. The annual Negroni Week will kick off on 24 June, with participating bars and restaurants from around New Zealand mixing their favourite drink and raising funds for some of the most deserving charities. More than $2 million has been raised globally since the event began in 2012. With 2019 marking Negroni’s 100th birthday, the iconic cocktail’s fans have even more reason to celebrate. To find participating venues near you, visit negroniweek.com
How to make the perfect Negroni
Campari forms the essential bitter heart of the drink, which is balanced with the addition of sweet rosso (red) vermouth, and strengthened and uplifted with light botanicals through the addition of gin – combined in equal parts, these create the stunning red cocktail which is loved the world over.
Ingredients:
1 part (30ml) Campari
1 part (30ml) sweet red vermouth
(we recommend Cinzano)
1 part (30ml) gin (we recommend
Bulldog Gin)
Slice of orange
To serve:
1. Fill a short glass with ice and then pour in all ingredients
2. Stir well to chill the drink and bring the ingredients together
3. Garnish with a slice of orange
