Ignite Your Senses: The Smoky Negroni You Need to Try

The Smoky Negroni is an intriguing blend of bold flavors, a modern adaptation that has captured the hearts and palates of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. While the classic Negroni is traditionally known for its harmonious balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes, this captivating cocktail elevates the experience by introducing an enigmatic layer of aromatic smoke. This addition of depth and complexity transforms the classic cocktail into a multisensory journey that delights both novice drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs. If you’re ready to take your taste buds on an adventure, the Smoky Negroni is an absolute must-try.

Smoky Negroni

This sophisticated drink is a must-try for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts. So, let’s get started.

What is Negroni?

The answer is simple: a Negroni is an infinitely customizable cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. With only 3 ingredients, the Negroni opens the door to endless experimentation. Swap bourbon for gin, and you’ve got a Boulevardier. Use Prosecco instead of vermouth, and you’re sipping on a Sbagliato. The list goes on and on.

Where did the Negroni Originate?   

Legend has it that the Smoky Negroni owes its existence to a particular Italian Count. The story goes that Count Camillo Negroni frequented Bar Casoni in Florence, Italy. One day, he requested a stronger version of his usual Americano, a classic cocktail made with sweet vermouth, Campari, and sparkling water.

The barkeep, aiming to please, replaced the sparkling water with gin and assembled the drink with equal parts of all three ingredients. Count Negroni was said to be quite impressed, and thus, a world-famous cocktail was born and added to the repertoire.

READ: Aperol Negroni

What is Mezcal?

Mezcal is a liquor made from distilled agave, just like tequila. But if they share the same base ingredient, what’s the difference between the two? Think of mezcal as tequila’s smoky sister. While both spirits originate from the agave plant, their similarities end there.

Mezcal is a broad term, referring to any liquor distilled from the agave plant. It’s a vast category, encompassing a wide range of flavors and styles. Tequila, on the other hand, is much more specific. To be considered tequila, the spirit must be made exclusively from blue agave and produced in the Mexican town of Tequila or its surrounding areas. It’s a bit like champagne, which can only come from the Champagne region of France.

Mezcal is created using a unique process that sets it apart from its agave-based cousin, tequila. The piñas, or hearts, of the agave plant are slow-roasted in underground pits for up to 3 days. This distinctive cooking method imparts a deep, smoky flavor that’s characteristic of mezcal. The roasted piñas are then mashed and left to ferment, resulting in a spirit with a notably smokier taste than tequila.

While mezcal may not be as widely known in the U.S., it’s incredibly popular in Mexico and is slowly gaining recognition worldwide. If you haven’t tried mezcal before, don’t let its smoky flavor intimidate you. This spirit offers a unique depth and complexity that complements a wide range of ingredients, making it a fascinating addition to cocktails and other culinary creations. Trust me, it’s worth exploring!

The Smoky Infusion

The smoky essence that sets the Smoky Negroni apart from its classic counterpart can be achieved through a myriad of techniques, each offering a unique twist on the smoky flavor profile:

• Smoked Ice: By exposing ice cubes to smoke, you infuse the cocktail as the ice gradually melts. This method imparts a delicate smokiness that intensifies as you savor the drink.
• Smoked Glass: Briefly smoking the serving glass with a smoking gun or a piece of burning wood introduces an enticing aroma and a visually appealing smoky film that coats the inside of the glass.
• Infused Campari: Immerse wood chips (such as hickory, applewood, or cherrywood) in Campari, allowing their smoky essence to permeate the spirit. This technique creates a more pronounced and consistent smokiness throughout the cocktail.
• Smoked Salt/Sugar Rim: Combine smoked salt and sugar to rim the glass, adding a touch of smoky flavor to each sip and a visually stunning element.
• Mezcal: Replace the traditional gin with mezcal, a spirit known for its inherent smokiness derived from the agave roasting process. This adds a robust, smoky backbone to the cocktail.
• Liquid Smoke: Adding a few drops of liquid smoke directly to the cocktail provides a convenient and concentrated way to introduce a smoky flavor.

Each of these methods offers a distinct approach to achieving a smoky Negroni, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences and desired level of smoky intensity.

Directions

1. Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Swish gently to chill.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and an orange peel. Light the rosemary sprig with a kitchen torch and quickly extinguish before serving.

Tip: Be careful with the liquid smoke, too much can overpower the drink.

A Smoky Negroni wouldn’t be anything without a little bit of smoke. While the mezcal brings that to the table, I decided to turn up the heat a bit. This recipe calls for fire. Carefully light the rosemary garnish and let it smolder for a few seconds before extinguishing. Smoking cocktails adds a depth of flavor to the drink, creating another layer of aroma to your sipping experience. Better yet, the drink looks as great as it smells and tastes amazing.

READ: French Negroni

Final Words

The Smoky Negroni isn’t just a cocktail, it’s an experience. The infusion of smoke adds a new dimension to the classic Negroni, creating a drink that is both familiar and intriguing. Whether you’re a seasoned Negroni enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the Smoky Negroni is a must-try for anyone seeking a complex and satisfying cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Smoky Negroni?

A Smoky Negroni is a variation of the classic Negroni cocktail where an element of smoke is infused into one or more of the ingredients, typically the gin or mezcal.

How do you make a Smoky Negroni?

There are a few ways to make a Smoky Negroni. You can infuse gin with smoke using a smoking gun or wood chips, or you can use a mezcal that already has a smoky flavor profile.

What does a Smoky Negroni taste like?

A Smoky Negroni has the classic bittersweet flavor profile of a Negroni, but with an added layer of smokiness that can range from subtle to intense, depending on the method of infusion.

What kind of glass should I serve a Smoky Negroni in?

A Smoky Negroni is traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass or a rocks glass.

What are some good food pairings for a Smoky Negroni?

A Smoky Negroni pairs well with rich, savory foods like grilled meats, smoked cheeses, or charcuterie.

Is a Smoky Negroni stronger than a regular Negroni?

Not necessarily. The strength of a Smoky Negroni depends on the specific ingredients and proportions used. However, the addition of mezcal can sometimes increase the alcohol content.

Can I make a Smoky Negroni without a smoking gun?

Yes, you can use wood chips or a pre-smoked spirit like mezcal to achieve a smoky flavor.

What are some variations on the Smoky Negroni?

Some popular variations include the Smoky Mezcal Negroni, the Smoky Rosemary Negroni, and the Smoky Cherry Negroni.

Smoky Negroni

Recipe by Raise Your GlassCourse: Cocktails

Servings

1

cocktail

Prep time

5

minutes

Total time

5

minutes

Raise your glass to the Smoky Negroni, a bold and enigmatic twist on a timeless classic! Cheers to the captivating dance of smoke, spice, and bittersweet citrus, a sophisticated indulgence that awakens the senses.

Ingredients

• 1 oz. — Rosemary Infused Campari

• 1 oz. — Sweet Vermouth

• 1.5 oz. — Mezcal

• 2 Drops — Liquid Smoke

• 1 — Rosemary Leaves

Directions

• Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Swish gently to chill.
• Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig and an orange peel. Light the rosemary sprig with a kitchen torch and quickly extinguish before serving.

Notes

• A Smoky Negroni is traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass or a rocks glass.