the perfect negroni

We're back with The Perfect Drink series, and Ms. Waters definitely did not disappoint this time around  (not that she ever would). I can't tell you how happy I was to see a Negroni in my inbox when we got back from our trip because if pressed, I'd have to say that a good Negroni is my favorite drink. And seeing as they're really quite impossible to mess up, it's the drink I end up ordering most often. A little bit of sweet with a little bit of bitter? How could you possibly go wrong. Here's Kelly...

The Classic Negroni one of my all time favorite cocktails. What's not to like? A near perfect summer cocktail invented by a certain Count Negroni... and I'd drink anything a Count told me to. Although I'll have to issue a fair warning: This cocktail has a bittersweet bite. It's traditionally served in equal parts, but I would play with the measurements until you have found the way you prefer it. Personally, I lessen the Campari and Sweet Vermouth and up the measurement of gin. 

1 oz. Gin (A classic London style is fine, or switch it up and do a Genever, which goes quite well with the flavors of bitter and sweet.)

1 oz. Campari (Gran Classico, Cynar, and Luxardo Bitter are other options here if Campari is just too bracing for you)

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth (I prefer Carpano Antica, but then I live in the eternally cold city of San Francisco. Go for something lighter in warmer climes.) 

Served up or on the rocks with an orange zest

As you can see there are many ways to play on the ingredients with this cocktail. Try the classic first, and go from there. You could also exchange the gin for prosecco for a Negroni Sbagliato. Mmm delish.