Have You Tried The Negroni Azzurro?

Here is a delicious twist on the classic Italian Negroni you must try

It’s summer in Europe, and while any time is good for a delicious classic Italian cocktail, with the sun out and temperatures up there is no other time in the year a simple cocktail in your hand can evoke Italian beach vacation vibes.

Though, I think it does not do the Negroni justice to call it a simple cocktail. Despite it could not be easier to make: one part Campari, one part sweet red vermouth, and one part gin. All poured over a large ice cube, and perhaps garnished with an orange peel.  

It really is the most perfect pre-dinner aperitivo drink, particularly because it’s so easy to mix and perfectly balances bitter, sweet, fruity, and herbal flavours.

Invented over a century ago when Count Negroni (yes, that was his real name) decided he wanted his Americano cocktail served with gin instead of soda to give it a special punch, this drink has certainly stood the test of time. And its huge popularity is proven by all the different variations that have been created over time; even though at least one of them by mistake.

If like me, you are game tasting classic cocktails in new variations, I have the perfect one for you today!

Created at the iconic Dante Restaurant in Greenwich Village, New York, the Negroni Azzurro cocktail takes inspiration from both the Negroni and lesser-known Angelo Azzurro. The letter was created by Giovanni Pepe in Rome in 1980 and is still fairly popular in Italy, but not much beyond.

How to make a Negroni Azzurro (Blue Negroni)

The Negroni Azzurro is a slightly sweeter, softer version of the classic Negroni, thanks to the addition of blue curacao.

And it looks absolutely stunning, doesn’t it?

As mentioned, the drink is a mixture of the classic Negroni and the Angelo Azzurro, thus it incorporates the best ingredients of both. That said, it omits the Campari and while you might consider this a sacrilege, believe me, you won’t miss it at all.

Serves 1 glass

30 ml gin
30 ml dry vermouth
15 ml Lillet Blanc
15 ml Luxardo Bitter Bianco
10 ml blue curacao
2-3 dashed lemon bitters

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir and strain into a cocktail class. Garnish with a lemon twist or lemon slice.

Do you have a favourite Negroni? Let me know which one in the comments.