In this enlightening discussion, renowned mixologist Jeffrey Morgenthaler shares his expertise on the Negroni, a cocktail that has captivated drinkers worldwide. He reveals his journey from an initial aversion to a deep appreciation of the drink’s complex flavors. Morgenthaler emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients, particularly Campari, and critiques homemade variations. He also details the art of barrel aging Negronis and shares humorous anecdotes from his bartending experiences, offering listeners a blend of history, craft, and community.
The Negroni's resurgence highlights a growing acceptance of bitter flavors in modern drinking culture, elevating its status from niche to iconic.
Alternative theories of the Negroni's origins suggest an evolution from the American Martini, challenging the popular Count Camillo Negroni narrative.
Ingredient balance is crucial in a Negroni, with the character of the drink primarily resting on the type of Campari used.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Negroni's Popularity
The Negroni has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity after being relatively obscure a couple of decades ago. Once considered a niche cocktail, it has now become widely recognized and cherished among drinkers. This shift can be attributed to evolving tastes and a growing acceptance of bitter flavors in both food and drink. The podcast highlights how people's palates and preferences have matured, allowing them to appreciate drinks like the Negroni that might have previously been seen as too bitter.
Debunking Negroni Myths
The popular mythology surrounding the Negroni's origins, claiming it was invented at the behest of Count Camillo Negroni, is critically examined. The narrative suggests that the Count requested an Americano but wanted gin instead of soda water, but this explanation is challenged as implausible by the guests. Instead, they propose an alternative theory where the drink evolved from the American Martini, incorporating gin, sweet vermouth, and bitters into the mix. This alternative origin story presents a more logical progression for the cocktail's creation.
Balancing Ingredients in the Negroni
A significant point of discussion revolves around the balance of ingredients in a Negroni and how variations can impact the overall flavor. The consensus is that while the gin plays a role in the drink, the character of the cocktail is heavily influenced by Campari. The conversation emphasizes that the type of gin might not drastically change the Negroni's taste, but substituting Campari with another bitter would fundamentally alter the drink. Ultimately, the guests agree that the Negroni is more accurately categorized as a Campari cocktail rather than a gin cocktail.
Negroni Preparations and Variations
Preparing a Negroni doesn't require strict measurements, with many bartenders able to craft a satisfying drink even when eyeballing the proportions. The cocktail's simplicity—made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—allows flexibility in preparation without sacrificing quality. It is also highlighted that garnishing with an orange twist or wedge enhances the drink, as it complements the flavors of the Campari. The discussion touches on various riffs, such as barrel-aged Negronis or even blended variations, showcasing the cocktail's adaptability.
The Role of Temperature and Presentation
The podcast emphasizes the importance of temperature in truly enjoying a Negroni, suggesting that it should be served ice cold. Keeping the ingredients chilled before mixing can significantly elevate the drinking experience. Additionally, the choice of glassware impacts both presentation and enjoyment, with the recommendation to avoid oversized cubes that dilute the drink. Through these insights, it becomes clear that attention to detail in preparation and serving will enhance the overall flavor profile and satisfaction derived from the Negroni.
On this dive into the archives of Cocktail College, we're joined by Jeffrey Morgenthaler of Portland, Ore.’s Pacific Standard to discuss one of the world's most iconic cocktails: the Negroni. Morgenthaler schools us on how to perfect this classic and explains how his barrel-aged-Negroni became a national — and international — phenomenon. Listen on to learn Morgenthaler's spec — and don’t forget to leave a rating, review, and subscribe!
Jeffrey Morgenthalers' Negroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Beefeater gin
- 1 ounce Cinzano Rosso vermouth
- 1 ounce Campari
- Garnish: orange twist or wedge
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a chilled rocks glass with ice.
