I am an enormous fan of the Negroni. I get cravings for one drink or another from time to time, but no other drink beckons my inner cocktailian like the perfect combination of sweet vermouth, gin, and Campari. The flavors are best demonstrated when served up, but I love my Negronis on the rocks and enjoy the transition from bold to calm. My first Negroni experience was awful. I had this bottle of Campari I didn’t know what to do with, and like a pacifist firing a gun for the first time, was kicked by the strength of the Campari.I remembered this feeling distinctly when last week a couple of frat guys interrupted me as I was greeting a new bar guest. “Hey bartender; we need a shot now!” Apparently, the time period it would have taken to make one cocktail for someone who had arrived at the bar first was too long to endure before they continued to treat their stomachs and livers like they were mortal enemies.
“What can I get you guys?” My bar guest gave me a look that told me that it was okay to take care of them so we could continue our conversation about authentic cocktails before reaching a liquid decision. Non-verbal bar communication is like a universal magical device used by bartenders and favorite patrons that tells each participant that everything is going to be okay; I’ve got you in mind at all times.
Frat guys obviously aren’t aware of the non-verbal aspects of the bar. “Whatever man; just give us something you like.”
“You want it neat?” I asked, hoping they would grant me unrestricted freedom to demonstrate why disrespecting the bartender and other guests is always an unwise act.
Still trying to grasp the concept of the term “neat”, Mr. Popped Collar finally said “sure.”
“Wonderful; have you guys ever had Campari?”
“No, let’s do it!”
Campari is kind of an acquired taste. I was overwhelmed by my first negroni (which was also my first Campari venture) and swore I would never have another, but the next day I couldn’t deny this inner urge and found myself stirring the classic again. By the end of the week, I had a new favorite drink. That was a few years ago. These guys were Campari rookies, and I wasn’t going to give them the luxury of having it mixed. Warm Campari it was!
“It tastes like tree bark! Man, what was that? That was the worst thing I have ever had in my life! Can I have a drink of water?”
“Sorry, guys; give me a second while I take care of this guy’s cocktail.” I betted that they were wishing they had waited earlier instead of having to wait now.
“You gave us a gag shot; we wanted something you would actually drink.”
“Guys, I love Campari, and so does everybody else.” I gestured to the glass I held and passed the negroni to my patient guest who I had come to know as Mark. After asking Mark if there was anything else I could get him, I poured a couple of waters. Mark loved his negroni and swore to come back every time he was in town.
The Negroni is a wonderful drink, and I think a cocktail everyone should acquire a taste for if it takes you a bit by surprise at first. Just make sure that if you order this drink in a cocktail bar you make sure that it is your turn first.
Funny story about those frat guys, obviously they hadn’t seen my post on the Top 10 things customers do to annoy bartenders. But straight up Campari to neophytes? That was cold Robert, just plain cold
Now next time add 5 dashes of bitters. Ever heard that saying, bitters = shitters?
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