Drinks

Bitter Cherry

June 8, 2018 by Jennifer

It’s Negroni week this week. Don’t know about Negroni week? Well, then let me tell you.

Negroni Week

According to the website, Negroni Week was launched in 2013 by Imbibe Magazine as a celebration of one of the world’s great classic cocktails in an effort to raise money for charities around the world. Since 2013 Negroni Week has grown from roughly 120 venues to over 7,700 bars and restaurants around the world. So far, they have raised nearly $1.5 million for charitable causes collectively.

For one week every June, bars and restaurants mix up the classic cocktail (and a variation or two) for a great cause. Each bar or restaurant chooses from a list of charities, and then a portion of each negroni they sell, goes to that specific charity. It’s really great, especially considering how much money they’ve made.  So, since bars and bartenders alike are putting their own spin on the negroni this week, I thought I’d do the same.

My Twist

Now here’s the thing about Negronis. Shhh… don’t tell anyone, but I am not a fan. I’ve tried and tried, but Campari is just too bitter for my taste buds. So, this year I decided to take a look at the cocktail as a whole and think about how I would change it. I mean, if bars all over the world are putting their own twist on the drink, why can’t I? The original Negroni is equal parts, Campari, gin and sweet vermouth. I like two of those ingredients, but try to avoid the third every chance I get. So, then I started thinking about how summer’s right around the corner and stone fruits have recently started popping up in markets all over. And suddenly it hit me: cherries!

If you’ve been following the blog the last couple weeks, you know I’m all about the cherry. Lucky for me, we’re right in the middle of its season. I know gin goes with cherries, especially if it’s a more floral brand, and Cherry Heering would add both the cherry flavor I wanted along with the sweetness that was usually provided by the vermouth.  But I didn’t want the cherry to overpower the cocktail. So, I decided to enhance the gin by substituting both Pomp & Whimsy‘s gin liqueur and Cherry Heering for the vermouth. Then we get to the Campari. If I could have left that liquor out of the drink all together I would have. But a Negroni just isn’t a Negroni unless it’s got Campari. So, I bit my lip and poured. While the original cocktail calls for a full ounce, I chose to use only half. Using only half an ounce cut the bitterness substantially but still had enough to let you know that you’re definitely sipping a Negroni. Finally I added a float of soda because I strongly believe that most cocktails are better with soda.

Just like the original, there’s only three ounces in this drink. But changing the measurements of each liquor really does change the cocktail. Suddenly I enjoy a Negroni. The bitterness is much more subtle. Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s still there, but it’s not overpowering. And when combined with the Pomp & Whimsy and Cherry Heering, you get a drink that’s sweet, floral and truly delightful.

So, before the week is out, treat yourself to a Negroni. If you like gin, it’s worth a sip. And if you’re a Campari fan, it’s a absolute must. After all… it’s for a good cause.