Negroni: An Italian Cocktail with History at My Way
The Negroni is one of the most famous and special Italian cocktails in the world, and you can find it at our cocktail bar restaurant My Way. This spirited cocktail has a fascinating history, and in this article, we delve into its origins and the intriguing facts surrounding it.
Like many of the cocktails on our menu, the Negroni offers a unique combination of flavours. Its blend of bitter Campari, the sweetness of vermouth, and the strength of gin creates an irresistible fusion for all five senses. Are you ready to learn its story?
The Origin of the Negroni Cocktail
The history of the Negroni cocktail dates back to 1919 at an old establishment called Café Cassoni in Florence. This café, frequented by Americans and the upper class, was renowned for its American cocktails, expertly crafted by bartender Fosco Scarselli.
Among its most loyal patrons was Count Camillo Negroni, an Englishman who enjoyed Café Cassoni’s gin. One day, tired of drinking the same beverage, the Count asked Scarselli to modify the traditional Americano cocktail by replacing soda water with gin. The result delighted the Count so much that they decided to name the new drink after him: the Negroni.
The cocktail’s popularity grew rapidly, and the Negroni family established a distillery near Treviso to distribute it across Italy.
Much More than an Italian Cocktail
In 2015, the Negroni was named the second-best-selling cocktail in the world by Drinks International, an international organisation regulating the alcoholic beverage market, second only to the Old-Fashioned. Since 2013, the magazine Imbibe and Campari have organised Negroni Week, a charitable event celebrating the Negroni’s creation and donating proceeds to charitable organisations worldwide.
During Negroni Week, events and competitions are held globally to pay tribute to this iconic Italian cocktail.
A Drink That Inspired a Nation and an Actress
Over the years, the Negroni grew increasingly popular, especially thanks to Mussolini’s policies promoting the consumption of Italian products, including vermouths. After World War II and the fall of the fascist regime, the Negroni became a symbol of the Italian “dolce vita”.
Actress Audrey Hepburn fell in love with the Negroni during her holidays in Italy and continued to enjoy it daily while filming in Rome.
Enjoy the Authentic Negroni at My Way
That concludes our brief article on the Negroni cocktail and its fascinating history. As you can see, part of the glamour of this iconic cocktail lies in the character of each of its ingredients, which together create a unique and unmatched flavour.
If you want to discover the authentic Negroni... don’t miss the chance to enjoy it at My Way!