🇮🇹 Italian Cuisine · Drinks

Negroni

Prep

5 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

1

Difficulty

Easy

A bittersweet Florentine cocktail of equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, stirred over ice.

Ingredients

  • 600g guanciale
  • 1 cup ladyfingers
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • a pinch of grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup eggplant, sliced
  • a handful of fresh basil, chopped
  • mascarpone, for serving
  • 500ml chicken stock
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 200g celery stalks

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the ladyfingers and vegetable stock in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the dried oregano and extra-virgin olive oil, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 0 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with mascarpone, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with basil just before serving.

Tips

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.