Amazing Negroni Variation

This post is going to show you how to make an amazing Negroni variation that will having you seeing this classic in a whole new light!

A lot of people are usually drawn in by this Italian delicacy and its simplicity. They will order a Negroni, and then immediately wince because it is a lot more bitter than expected. While I do enjoy a good classic Negroni, that was not always the case!

Have you ever wanted to be a part of the group of people who casually sip Negroni’s? Always looking so cool, calm, classy, and casual?

I’ve got you covered! We will be using hibiscus berry green tea, Campari, and Blanc Vermouth. This creation is a brighter, sweeter, more floral riff that you can sip on and look just as poised! This is an original Sweet Recipe that I know you will love. Let’s get right to it! I call this:

“Fomogroni”

What You Will Need

Alcohol:

The classic Negroni is composed of three equal parts. Its simplicity is what makes it a beautiful creation that has lasted over 100 years. We will be sticking to the equal parts ratio for this Negroni variation. The first adjustment I have made is using an infused gin! I will now step by step show you how I created this.

The gin I have chosen to infuse is Hayman’s of London Old Tom Gin. I wanted to use a softer and more subtle gin, and this brand is just that! It’s delicate flavors go so well with the hibiscus berry green tea that we will be infusing it with! Notes of citrus, coriander, and cinnamon naturally grace the palate with this smooth gin. Old Tom Gin is a tad bit sweeter than other gins and also tends to be lighter on the juniper flavors. I got my bottle at Total Wine and More! Let’s get into the infusions.

• First you will want to find yourself a bottle or jar that can seal tight. I have chosen to use a medium sized mason jar and it works wonderfully!

• Next you will need to find a hibiscus berry loose leaf tea! I have chosen to use a hibiscus berry green tea that I was able to find at the grocery store Von’s. I was able to find a hibiscus berry loose leaf tea on Amazon as well that would also work. I will link it RIGHT HERE!
• In my mason jar I poured in 11 oz of the Hayman’s Old Tom Gin. I then added 1/4 cup of the loose leaf hibiscus berry tea. Seal tight, give that a good shake, and let sit for 3-4 days. Make sure you shake daily and give it a little  taste.

• After 3-4 days you are ready to strain your infused gin! Grab another mason jar and a fine cocktail strainer. A fine cocktail strainer is definitely a must have in your home bar! It comes in handy in this scenario but it is also used for double straining cocktails that are served up. Grab one just like mine RIGHT HERE!
• You will want to strain your infusion back and fourth several times until there is no longer any debris in your final product.

• In the photo above you can see that I use the back of a kitchen spoon to press down on the loose leaf tea. You want to make sure you are getting all of the sweet nectar that you can!

• Finally you are done! You can seal your final infusion into whatever bottle you would like. I have chosen to keep it inside my mason jar. You are more than welcome to use a clean old liquor bottle if that is what you would prefer. You may now store your infusion with all of your alcohol for up to a year! Don’t forget to label and date!

Infusing the Old Tom Gin worked out so well. The scent of the fruity hibiscus hits your nose immediately and it smells so delicious! You taste with your nose first and the scent of this sweet nectar had my mouth watering.The taste is so apparent. It is sweet, slightly tart, and intensely floral. I cannot wait for you all to experience it!

Next we will be swapping out the classic sweet vermouth in the original recipe for the delectable Blanc Vermouth by Dolin. Dolin has recipes that date back to 1821! This vermouth hailing from Chambery, France is packed with over 32 plants and spices! I find this vermouth to be sweet like candy. It marries so well with our hibiscus flavors. This ingredient will lull out the intense Italian Campari that we will also be using. I encourage you to experiment with this vermouth! Use it as replacements or additions in recipes, try it on it’s own, and see what you can create! Don’t forget to keep it refrigerated after cracking it open. I got my bottle for a very affordable price at Total Wine and More.

Next we have the classic Italian ingredient that the Negroni is known for. That’s right, we won’t be straying from this intense liqueur. This is Campari! Created all the way back in 1860 in Milano, Campari has retained all of its secret and numerous ingredients. This is a VERY bitter liqueur and definitely one that most people either adore or despise. Alas, I will say there is always room for growth! Campari used to literally seize up my entire body, but now I really do enjoy it! ( I think my palate has been maturing through the years for sure!) In 1920 both the Americano, and the Negroni were invented which really burst this liqueur into popularity! I’m hoping with this cocktail variation you will be able to ease into drinking Campari and really start to enjoy it’s historical flavors.

Bar Supplies:

The Negroni is usually mixed with a Mixing Glass. We will be doing the same! Mixing glasses create some wonderful cocktails such as the old fashioned, martini, Manhattan, boulevardier, and more! Stirring your cocktails creates less dilution, and bolder flavors. This method is typically used in cocktails without citrus. It really lets the ingredients of a cocktail sing! Mixing especially keeps the flavors of liqueurs in tact and impactful on your palate. You can check out a mixing glass just like mine RIGHT HERE!

To perfectly measure our equal parts into our Negroni we will need a Bar Jigger! Jiggers are an essential piece of equipment to have at your home bar. A great cocktail is beautifully balanced, and consistent! You can easily attain this with a jigger. My jigger in the photo above ranges from 1/4 oz to 2 oz. You can get one just like mine RIGHT HERE!

When I was a beginner I actually used a simplified jigger. It helped me hone in on my pouring skills and gain confidence. It has only one side, a pour spout, and very clear measurement marks. I will link the exact same one I used to use RIGHT HERE!

Since we are stirring our cocktail in a mixing glass, we will need a Bar Spoon! To stir a cocktail with a bar spoon is definitely a fun skill to learn. You want to take your bar spoon in your dominant hand and rest it between your ring finger and middle finger.I always have the backside of the spoon facing the outside of the glass. I use my thumb and index finger to guide the spoon in circles along the perimeter of the glass. Practice this slowly at first and in no time you will be able to pick up speed!

A pro tip to know when to stop stirring your cocktail is when condensation starts to form on the outside of your mixing glass. You will also be able to tell when the ice starts to lose form and sink deeper into the liquid contents of your mixing glass.

To strain this Negroni you will want to have a Julep Strainer! In the photo above you will see how you need to keep the julep strainer at a downward angle balanced with your index finger as you pour the contents into your glassware. Make sure you have a firm grip on your mixing glass with your thumb as you hover above your delicate glass! If you want a Julep Strainer just like mine check out this link RIGHT HERE on Amazon.

Lastly for the classic and beautiful garnish on this Negroni you will want to have a Y-Peeler! Y-Peelers allow you to get a nice thick peel of citrus for your cocktail. For this Negroni we will be using an orange peel to spritz the top of this cocktail, and an orange peel to garnish inside the glass. Be VERY careful when using these peelers! They are SHARP. Remember not to push too quickly, take your time and keep your eyes on what you’re doing. You can get this exact same peeler RIGHT HERE!

I also must mention that you will need ICE. Lots of people have fridges with an ice dispenser which is perfect for you to use. Alas, if you do not have accessible fridge Ice, AKA ME, you will have to freeze your own! As you see above I use a silicone perfect ice cube tray. I will link an identical one that comes with a LID right HERE! I am lucky enough to have a cocktail store near me as well that  carries perfect ice in every size but that is not always the most affordable option. I would still recommend you check if any such stores exist near your location! Although a little more pricey, definitely worth it in quality!!!

I do recommend that if you are starting to create multiple cocktails at home, you should invest in your own personal little Bartending Kit. Most come with everything you will need as a beginner while others provide several items for more complex creations. I will put links to both a beginners set, and a more advanced set on Amazon below!

Beginners Kit : HERE

Advanced Kit : HERE.

Garnish:

The classic garnish for a Negroni is an orange peel. We will be sticking to tradition! Mainly because the orange really brings out all of the flavors in this cocktail. The fresh orange on the nose draws you into your first sip and everything tastes like magic when it’s all brought together.

First you will want to take your Y-Peeler and cut a fresh orange horizontally along its circumference. This way you will get the longest peel possible. You want this peel to be nice and long so that it wraps around the inside of your glass!

Next you will want to take a pairing knife and clean up the edges of your peel. Presentation is everything so you really want to try to make the lines nice and crisp!

Carefully wrap your long citrus peel along the inside of your glass in a spiral. Afterwards add your ice. This should keep the peel in place while you pour in your delicious cocktail.

Most importantly we will be taking another orange peel to spritz the top of this Negroni. This really releases all of the oils, essence, and aromas of the orange peel all over this cocktail. Fold your peel in half right on top of this drink and rub the peel around the rim as well. As you lift your Negroni to your nose you will be entranced by the fresh citrus kick. It gets you so excited to take your first sip!

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