Feeling a little bitter? That’s just the Negroni talking!
20 September 2024
Who doesn’t love a Negroni?
This classic cocktail, made from gin, vermouth and Campari, is believed to have originated in Florence, Italy in 1919. Since then, it has become a staple in bars worldwide. Its popularity even sparked the creation of Negroni week in 2013, an initiative led by Imbibe Magazine to raise funds for charitable causes.
This year, Hayman’s Gin are joining the cause, pledging £1 to The Drinks Trust for every Negroni sold. The Drinks Trust provides financial assistance, wellbeing support, and skill development to the drinks and hospitality industry. So, enjoying a Negroni at our bars not only indulges your taste buds but also supports a good cause. We’ll drink to that!
Gin is at the heart of a Negroni, and Hayman’s London Dry Gin makes for the perfect classic serve. However, Hayman’s also loves to take inspiration from bartenders worldwide, who enjoy using their Old Tom Gin to craft a bold, citrus-forward twist on the traditional Negroni. And for something even more adventurous, there’s the Sloegroni—a rich, velvety take on the cocktail, where Hayman’s Sloe Gin adds a delightful plummy tang.
So why not make the Negroni the 'sip' of the day? PoB Hotels is excited to join the festivities, showcasing award-winning Hayman’s Gin and sharing some creative ways to enjoy this iconic cocktail. Whether you’re a fan of the classic, the bold Old Tom Negroni, or the smooth Sloegroni, we’ve got you covered with tips to help you find your new favourite way to savour this timeless drink.
Cheers to good taste and good deeds!
A Recipe with a Twist
Negronis are a timeless classic, but Northcote are reimagining them with mouth-watering flavours. Their strawberry Negroni is deliciously fruity whilst their Chocolate Negroni is a must-try for any chocolate-lover.
The Royal Strawberry Negroni:
- 30ml London Dry Gin
- 30ml Campari Bitter (infused with fresh strawberries)
- 30ml Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
The Duke's Chocolate Negroni:
- 30ml London Dry Gin
- 30ml Campari Bitter
- 30ml Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (infused with cacao nibs)
Known for unforgettable culinary experiences, Northcote, in the scenic Ribble Valley, is the perfect place to try something new as you sip on an exquisite cocktail. Enjoy a Michelin-starred stay in this charming manor house.
Inspiration to Raise the Bar
For The Athenaeum’s head bartender, Tom Carver, the secret to a truly magnificent Negroni is maintaining its chill. Negronis here are served with a single large ice cube to ensure a slow melt, preserving its crisp, cold flavour without diluting the drink. A small detail, often overlooked, but it makes all the difference.
Set in a bustling London neighbourhood, The Athenaeum offers a luxurious and stylish city break. Championing British heritage and craftmanship, enjoy a picture-perfect stay in the heart of the metropolis.
Whilst The Athenaeum prioritises temperature, Park House’s restaurant manager, Vikas Raiborde, believes flavour is the key to a perfect Negroni. A bold gin, like Hayman’s London Dry, balances beautifully with Campari’s bitterness. Keeping vermouth in the fridge slows down the oxidisation process, ensuring its freshness. For a citrusy kick, twist an orange peel over the glass to release the oils before dropping it into the drink.
With homely bedrooms and a serene spa, Park House offers a seamless blend of old and new. Enjoy views of the Sussex countryside as you escape into this peaceful haven.
For The Elms, equality is everything and head bartender advises “don’t mess with the measurements and you will always get a perfect Negroni”. Garnishing with orange peel is also a vital additional to the cocktail.
The Elms is a stylish hotel located in picturesque Worcestershire. Enjoy a drink overlooking their exotically peaceful spa as you unwind and rejuvenate.
Elevated Dining, Elevated Negroni
At The Vineyard, it’s not just about the drinks—their Negronis are paired with exquisite dishes to highlight the cocktail’s complex flavours. For a bittersweet match, try their Gin-Cured Berkshire Trout with horseradish cream and pickled cucumber. Looking for contrast? The Cornish Fish Bouillabaisse with saffron potatoes and rouille offers a delightful counterpoint to the Negroni’s bitterness. For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Cremeux is a perfect pairing—the rich chocolate complements the refreshing bite of the cocktail.
Indulge in unforgettable dining experiences at The Vineyard, a temple to Californian wine. Relax in pure elegance, sip on a delectable drink, and admire their expansive wine vault.
The Finest Ingredients, The Finest Negroni
At Gravetye Manor, a memorable Negroni starts with the very best ingredients. They recommend using Hayman’s gin with its notes of fresh orange, lemon, piney juniper, spice and a hint of fennel. Combine this with Campari Aperitif—a vibrant Italian bitter infused with 68 plants and fruits for a bold, citrusy profile. The vermouth? Only the best will do: Antica Formula, for a rich, complex depth. Finally, a flaming orange twist adds a caramelised touch to the cocktail’s much-loved flavours.
Set in the tranquil Sussex countryside, Gravetye Manor offers a peaceful retreat. Stroll through 1,000 acres of stunning grounds and enjoy the warm atmosphere of their Michelin-starred restaurant.
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