The Negroni is a classic of the cocktail realm, a perennial favorite thanks to its signature flavor combination: equal parts gin, vermouth, and bitters.  Unlike other spirit-only drinks, the Negroni is the perfect aperitif because it manages to stimulate your taste buds, rather than dull them (as, for example, a martini would do).  Most popular in its native Italy and abroad, Americans sometimes find the bitter elixer to be an acquired taste – but in my experience, once you get it, you’re hooked.

If you weren’t able to fit in a luxurious vacation to Florence this summer, have one last grasp at it by imbibing a Negroni on the perfect summer day.  Legend has it that the cocktail was invented in 1919 Florence by Count Camillo Negroni, who wanted some added pizzazz to his Americano and asked that the bartender switch in gin for the standard club soda.  Ever since then, bartenders around the world have been riffing on the outlined ingredients, and today you can find all sorts of variations, up to and including Negroskis (with vodka instead of gin).

For some of NYC’s best cocktails from people that are into bitters and a good Negroni, look no further than Amor y Amargo.  They have a house-blend sweet vermouth on tap, a rarity for this hemisphere.  This is the spot where, for those of you that are Negroni-phobic, you will be turned.  This East Village shrine to all that is “Love and Bitterness” knocks it out with their creative takes in this classic.

Image Credit: Bon Appetit

Leah Alexander