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Holiday
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Food
Cocktails
'Tis the season for egg nog, mulled wine, fruity punches and, of course, champagne. But my holiday drink of choice is the negroni. Ruby red in color from Campari, an Italian liquor, the negroni is bright, citrusy and is so darn festive-looking for the holidays. (Although I love drinking them poolside in the summer. Or in the fall. Whenever.)
That bold shade of crimson is a little deceiving; this is not a syrupy, candy-flavored cocktail. Campari, which is traditionally sipped as an aperitif, is bitter. Some may even say medicinal-tasting. But when paired with sweet vermouth and gin, it dances on your tongue -- the perfect mixture of tart and sweet.
Added bonus: you don't have to be a mixologist to make a perfect negroni. It's a simple ratio of three ingredients: one part gin, one part Campari and one part sweet vermouth. You don't even need to break out the cocktail shaker. (Which I secretly hate -- so messy!)
One critical step: don't forget to add an orange slice. Yes, it's pretty and it adds a lovely aroma, but it becomes infused with the negroni, making a delicious treat when you've finished your cocktail. Yum.
Cheers to a fabulous holiday season!
Negroni
(Makes 1 drink)
1 ounce gin (I like London dry gin)
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce sweet vermouth
Ice
1 slice of orange (or blood orange, if you're feeling fancy)
Pour the gin, Campari and vermouth into an ice-filled Old-Fashioned glass or other short glass and stir gently with a spoon. Garnish with an orange slice.
