Dear Thom,
Let's see if this variant will help return your appetite for Negroni.
Between 1917 and 1920, it all starts from the Caffè Casoni in Via de' Tornabuoni 83, in a lively and cosmopolitan Florence.
Count Negroni asked Fosco Scarselli, Caffè Casoni's barman, to beef up his "Milano-Torino" (red vermouth and bitter better known as Americano, in honour of boxer Primo Carnera) with gin.
To the "new" Americano, the count had a half slice of orange added, so as not to confuse his aperitif with that of other patrons of the café.
From this fusion (1/3 red vermouth - 1/3 bitter - 1/3 gin and a half slice of orange) was born what was christened "the Americano in the manner of Count Negroni" later simplified to "Negroni."
The present speaks of NEGRONI SVEGLIATO, a reinterpretation, or twist of the original recipe.
The variation consists of a coffee vermouth infusion (I used Lavazza Miscela Rossa).
This version speaks of Italian traditionalism, and of what is an unquestioned habit of so many Italians, coffee time.
Coffee is an elusive moment at times, as at times, a moment of sharing, I love this versatility, which does not focus exclusively on aromaticity but says so much more.
NEGRONI SVEGLIATO is the aperitif or it is simple after dinner.
30 ml Gin
20 ml Bitter
30 ml Coffee infused vermouth.
Technique : Throwing, mix all ingredients, chilling them well (oxygenating)
Presentation: Mocha and coffee or a Cappuccino cup.
