Cocktails of the world Part 1. NEGRONI ~ the quintessential Florentine!

Have you ever found yourself visiting an iconic, historic city at the end of a day looking for an aperitif cocktail as the sun goes down?  There is something so charming about discovering a cobblestone square, lit up with the grandeur of a golden age and wandering past an intriguing bar.  I am reminded of the time we found ourselves in Florence, on Via de’ Tournabuon near Piazza della Republica.  As we peered into the window of an elegant, historic bar, it seemed like a portal to a bygone era.  Upon entering, we were drawn to an enchanting bar with an array of gem coloured bottles of liquor, sparkling glassware and a grand-master bartender who was ready to mix us a fabulous cocktail! 

Unsplashed photo by Heidi Kaden, Florentine sunsets are the colour of a Negroni cocktail!

One of my favourite cocktails is the quintessential Italian Negroni, whose origin is from the beautiful city of Florence - first served at Cafe Casoni on Via de’ Tornabuon near Piazza della Republica. 

Orson Wells is reputed to have said “the Bitters are excellent for your liver; the Gin is bad for you.  They balance each other”.  Other famous celebrities who love Negroni cocktails are Stanley Tucci, Ryan Reynolds and Audrey Hepburn who would serve Negroni aperitif cocktails when she entertained guests in her home in Rome whilst filming the movie “Roman Holiday” in the early 1950s. 

Even James Bond had a Negroni when he wanted a change from his signature Martini, ordering a Negroni in the movie “For your eyes only” while he was at the excelsior Hotel in Rome, specifying it to be made with Gordon’s Gin. 

It is said that Cafe Casoni in Florence was where the Negroni cocktail was created in 1919 by bar tender Foso Scarslli, a local Tuscan who had a reputation of being the ultimate bartender/councilor/mixologist.  When a wild young aristocrat, Count Camillo Negroni, ordered an Americano cocktail, he requested a drink with more “kick”, so the bartender replaced the soda water with gin.  And that my friends, as legend has it, the first Negroni was made! 

Unsplashed photo by Stanislav Ivanitskiy, Negroni cocktails

A classic Negroni cocktail is equal parts of Dry London Gin, Sweet Russo Red Vermouth (a fortified wine with botanicals) and Campari Bitters liquor.  It is traditionally served with a large block of ice in the glass and garnished with a peel of Italian blood orange! 

Today, the Negroni aperitif tradition continues on Via de’ Tourbuon near Piazza della Republica, on the elegant square in the heart of Florence.  It is a beautiful public space that has a gorgeous vintage carousel.  There is a magnificent arch that was built in the late 1800’s with an inscription reading “The ancient centre of the city, restored from age-old squalor to new life”.  The magnificent cobblestone square is lined with 19^th century palazzi, grand hotels, high-end boutiques, restaurants and historic cafes.  Restaurant Giacosa has reopened where the Negroni cocktail was first created over a century ago at Cafe Casoni! 

Unsplashed photo by Riccardo Tuninato, Piazza della Repubblica

I hope you get to visit this enchanting part of Florence to experience the hospitality of the long-established historic bars, all exquisitely presented – lined up with precious jewel-coloured liquor bottles, sparkling crystal glassware and maestro bartenders waiting to mix you an authentic Negroni Aperitif. 

Unsplashed photo by Kevin Snow, long-established historic bar

If you can’t get to Florece just yet, this is how to make a great Negroni cocktail: 

You will need a large cube of frozen ice. 

Gather the ingredients:

25ml good quality dry gin

25ml sweet vermouth 

25ml Campari 

A fancy tumbler glass

1 large cube of ice (for the cocktail tumbler)

Ice cubes for making the cocktail

Fresh orange peel for garnish, use a blood orange if available

Method for making a great Negroni!

1 Pour gin, vermouth and Campari into a mixing jug with ice

2 Stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold

3 Have your tumbler ready with the large cube of ice. Strain the cocktail while you pour the mixture into the prepared tumbler over the ice. Garnish with the fresh orange peel.

4 Enjoy somewhere beautiful with friends!

Cin Cin and raise your glass with a nod to the bartender / creator – Fosco Scarslli and namesake Count Camillo Negroni. 

Reflection:  in life be like a Negroni cocktail; bold, strong, well balanced, with just the right amount of sass & always keep your cool!