September 21st, 2023
- National Negroni Week -
The Negroni is a classic cocktail with a refreshing bite that keeps us coming backing for more. Who can resist a touch of bitterness balanced by a kiss of sweetness? Almost no one, and that's why this is such a staple cocktail to have in your repertoire! Today we will explore the history of the Negroni and play around with some variations. Whether you're crafting your own, or opting for one of the many pre-made cocktail options available (including the non-alcoholic Phony Negroni), we hope you enjoy this refreshing drink as you appreciate these warm last days of Summer.
Don't Miss Our Biggest Wine Tasting Of The Year!
The blowout Fall Grand Tasting Event is back and bigger than ever. With over 65 wines being poured, from 10 different vendors, you are sure to find handfuls of new favorites. We couldn't be more excited to break out of the post-pandemic rut by reinstating this iconic, community-loved, tasting! So many new wines to discover — get your tickets today and start counting down the days!
The Negroni
A Brief (and debated) History
It is believed that the birth of the Negroni took place at Caffè Casoni (in Florence, Italy) when Count Camillo Negroni ordered an Americano made with gin in place of the usual soda water. Soon after, the Negroni family founded a Negroni distillery, producing a pre-made-cocktail called the Antico Negroni in 1919! So buying a ready-to-go Negroni cocktail is actually a very historically accurate way to celebrate National Negroni Week. Orson Welles made the first documented remarks on the Negroni in 1947 while traveling to Rome, "The bitters are excellent for your liver, the Gin is bad for you. They balance each other.” By 1967 there were popularized variations of the Negroni, such as the Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso in Milan — a riff that substitutes Prosecco instead of Gin.
Classic Negroni Recipe

Ingredients:
1oz Gin
1oz Sweet Vermouth
1oz Campari
Orange Twist

Instructions: Combine all liquid ingredients with ice in a mixing glass and stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Squeeze orange twist over drink and slip into glass.
Variation: The White Negroni

Ingredients:
1.5oz Gin
1oz Lillet Blanc
.5oz Suze gentian liqueur
Lemon Twist

Instructions: Add the gin, Lillet blanc and Suze into a mixing glass with ice and stir for 15 to 20 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Squeeze lemon twist over drink and slip into glass.
Variation: The Mezcal Negroni

Ingredients:
1oz Mezcal
1oz Sweet Vermouth
1oz Campari
Orange, Half Wheel

Instructions: Add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with an orange half-wheel.
Variation: Non-Alcoholic Negroni

Ingredients:
1oz Non-Alcoholic "Gin"
2oz Abstinence Blood Orange Aperitif
Orange Twist

Instructions: Add the "Gin" and Blood Orange Aperitif into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
Friday Tasting Table
Friday, 09/22/23, 4 - 8 p.m.
Join Megan of Tradition for a FREE wine tasting this Friday!
Get 10% off any bottle of wine from the tasting table.
Staff Picks - What to Drink this Week
Try these special, staff-selected libations!

2021 Brigaldara Valpolicella Classico - $21.99
Brigaldara Valpolicella is new to the shop and anything but a generic Veneto red wine. The Cesari family hand harvests the same estate fruit that goes into their cellar-worthy Amarone. The Valpolicella Classico spends six months in steel giving it a freshness that is perfect for the chill in the air. This blend of Corvinone, Corvina, and Rondinella is an earthy, peppery, floral knockout! Ruby red with notes of currant, blackberry, and violets on a juicy palate cut with bright acidity. Pair with pasta and tomato sauce, roast pork, liver pate and eggplant dishes.
-Angie

2019 I Pentri 'L' Amore Delle Api' Fiano - $44.99
One of the most exciting white wines to enter the shop recently is from a small winery in Campania which is located in south-western Italy. This family estate practices organic and biodynamic viticulture and works with indigenous varietals from the region. Their Fiano is drinking lights out, leaning more to the plush, rich side of Fiano, while maintaining its acidity. The nose shows aromas of candied citrus and savory herb and the medium plus palate delivers honeyed, creamy apple fruit with notes of mineral. Try this delicious white with a Fisherman-style risotto. 
-Rob

High West Bourbon - $39.99
As things start cooling on down outside, folks are going to start switching from lighter liquors to dark. That means we're heading into bourbon season! Even if you drink bourbon year round, there's something about crisp, outdoor air that somehow makes bourbon taste better. High West Bourbon is a great way to start "bourbon season" right. This bottle is solid all around. Both the taste and the price are such where you won't feel bad mixing this or drinking it on its own. So whether you're making an Old Fashioned for sitting around a fire or sipping a small glass while the Twins and/or Vikings, this is a great bottle to have around.
-Nick N

2022 Vestini Campagnano 'Kajanero' Terre del Volturno - $22.99
Above the Volturno river in the Caserta Province of Campania, near Naples, the nearly extinct native red grape varietals of Palagello Nero and Casavecchia have been lovingly revived by the Barletta family. Predominantly these two ancient varietals make up their bold blend named, Kajanero, which means "The dark wine from Caiazzo", the town where the grapes are grown organically in a mix of volcanic soils. After just a short time in used neutral oak the wine is redolent of lightly spiced juniper, black current and cherry fruit with hints of tobacco and nuts. The tannins are youthful with just enough acidity to liven it all up. This is a great value Southern Italian red that will match perfectly with rustic crust pizza.
-Patrick
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