The Negroni, a classic cocktail that has gained worldwide popularity, has its origins rooted in Italy. Specifically, it is said to have been born out of a drink called the Milano-Torino, which was invented in the 1860s at Caffe Camparino in Milan. This iconic Italian establishment is known for its association with the Campari brand, which plays a significant role in the creation of the Negroni.
The Milano-Torino was a simple combination of Campari, a bitter liqueur from Milan, and sweet vermouth, which originated in Turin. This drink became quite popular among American tourists who frequented Caffe Camparino. These American patrons often requested modifications to their Milano-Torino, adding a splash of soda water to lighten the drink and make it more refreshing. This variation eventually came to be known as the Americano.
The Americano gained popularity not only among Americans but also among Italians and other tourists visiting Italy. It became a beloved drink in cafes and bars, both in Italy and abroad. However, it was the evolution of the Americano that led to the creation of the Negroni.
Legend has it that the Negroni was invented by Count Camillo Negroni in Florence, Italy, in the early 20th century. The story goes that Count Negroni, a frequent customer at the Caffe Casoni, asked the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his Americano by replacing the soda water with gin. This bold move transformed the drink into what we now know as the Negroni.
The Negroni quickly gained popularity, not just within Italy but also internationally. Its unique combination of bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and strong gin appealed to many cocktail enthusiasts. The Negroni's distinct flavor profile and striking red color made it a standout choice in bars and restaurants around the world.
Today, the Negroni is considered one of the classic cocktails and is often included in lists of must-try drinks for cocktail connoisseurs. Its Italian heritage is celebrated, and bartenders worldwide continue to create their own variations of this beloved cocktail.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have come across countless variations of the Negroni. Some bartenders experiment with different types of gin or vermouth, while others add unique ingredients to put their own spin on the classic recipe. Despite these variations, the Negroni remains unmistakably Italian in its origins and continues to be a symbol of Italian cocktail culture.
The Negroni is undeniably Italian in its nationality. It originated from the Milano-Torino, a drink created in Milan, and later evolved into the Americano before being transformed into the Negroni in Florence. Its popularity has spread across the globe, but its roots firmly lie in Italy, making it a true representative of Italian cocktail craftsmanship.