As I open the door I’m greeted by Maki’s wagging tail. In no mood to play, I do my best to brush her away, but our sweet dog’s persistance wins me over. Fine… just a few minutes. She guides me into the living room so we can roll around on the floor. Soon, she has me pinned down and I get attacked with a few licks of her tongue, leaving long streaks of slobber across my glasses.
Exhausted, I call it quits and get my body off the ground. Maki, disappointed, retires to her bed. She wonders if maybe, just maybe, I’ll come back to play with her. Sorry pup, I’m finished for the night. It’s time to make dinner… and mix a drink.
After a long day, the kitchen becomes my sanctuary. Before any onions are chopped, I throw a few rocks into my glass. An aperitif is in order to ease into a relaxing night of nothingness. I whip up my old standard: a Negroni. An equal pour of the three ingredients, a quick stir, and we’re in business.
Before the drink hits my lips, I shave a piece of orange peel and rim the glass with it. The result is subtle, but effective. The aroma of the citrus breathes life into the Negroni, but a bitter herbaceousness is present in the first sip, mellowed only by the sweet vermouth. Another taste and my mind is no longer thinking of work and the stresses of my day. I’m in the here and now.
The onion and garlic sizzle as they hit the pan of butter. I rub my hand across my perspiring forehead, only to look down to see the glass sweating as well. You and me both, my friend. I pick up my drink. Cheers. Sip. Smile.
Negroni
Yield: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Rocks GlassTools
Bar spoon
Jigger or shot glassIngredients
1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin
1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Campari
1 1/2 oz (45 ml) sweet vermouthIceOrange peel, garnishIceInstructions1. Fill the glass with ice, followed by the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir gently.2. Rim the glass with the orange peel and then add the peel into the drink.3. Serve.
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This is my favorite classy cocktail. Deelish!
If I turn into a lush, I’m blaming this blog. Just so you know. :)
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Oh poor Maki. But lucky you. I’ve never tried a Negroni since I’m not much of a gin fan, looks like my time has come. Maybe sub vodka?
Now that’s the way to end a long day!
Aaaah, a negroni is my go-to aperitif/cooking companion. With Hendrick’s of course.
And I love to twist and smoosh any citrus peel up on the glass rim of whatever drink I’m making. All those fragrant, delicious oils spritzing everywhere. Gosh I’m thirsty now.
There is just something about cooking with a cocktail or a glass of wine in hand… And you captured it perfectly. I am not really a gin drinker, but you’ve made me want to give it another chance. Lovely post, Brian! Give Maki an extra scratch on the head for me. :)
Your writing has me there in the kitchen with you. Fabulous post, Brian.
I’ve never had a Negroni!! Need to change that tonight…or today..or this morning…whatever :)
This is a favorite of ours – love how the bitterness just lingers!
I’ve slowly and surely become a fan of gin – and I think this is my next drink.
Stupid question but can you tell me about your ice cube trays? I love the shape. Is that a dumb question? Can you tell I’m a foodie? Seriously – who asks questions like that?
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