It’s been a great time for cocktail lovers with June 6-12 being National Negroni week! And while we’re known for our love of sake and Japanese Whisky, we definitely have a soft spot for this classic Italian cocktail.
The Negroni is one of the few cocktails that has a traceable history back to the early 20th century. It is said that a bartender in Florence, Italy created the drink when he was asked to make a stronger twist on the Americano (a mix of Campari, sweet Vermouth, and club soda). The customer, Count Camillo Negroni, had a fondness for strong liquor concoctions and thus the Negroni cocktail was born.
The traditional Negroni recipe calls for equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, but RONIN’s version, the Django, is slightly different. The Django is made with equal parts gin, Mancino Vermouth, and Aperol instead of Campari. Aperol is used because of its subtle bitter notes and fruit character, which balances well with Mancino Rosso Vermouth. Its spice and orange flavors also make the Django a softer and more fragrant cocktail compared to a classic Negroni. To compliment the Aperol and Vermouth, we use Fords Gin, which is slightly sweeter, not too juniper-heavy, and displays floral and aromatic layers.
