EN 
ET Three ingredients, one iconic cocktail. Negroni is regarded as the crème de la crème of cocktails. A cocktail that takes a well-trained palate, a bit of knowledge of the ingredients and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. It’s daring, multifaceted and full of surprises. As Orson Welles put it in 1947, ,,The bitters are excellent for your liver, the gin is bad for you. They balance each other.” But what exactly is in a Negroni and how do you make one? What different types of Negronis are out there? Where can I find the best Negronis in Tallinn? Let’s find out!
What is a Negroni?
Negroni is a cocktail that is composed of equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari. Although a regular Negroni calls for semi-sweet vermouth rosso, the drink can be made with numerous variations, and is not limited to mixing up the vermouth. It is typically served on the rocks in a whisky glass and garnished with an orange slice or peel. Considered an aperitif, it is usually served before a meal, but has now also made its way to speakeasies and bars around the globe.
A Negroni is a short drink, which means it is high in alcohol by volume. It is, indeed, a cocktail of solely different spirits mixed together. But it is not meant to be downed like a shot or beer, rather patiently indulged in. And this is why the ingredients play a pivotal part in a Negroni. The higher-quality gins and vermouths you use, the more delicious the outcome. Negronis are meant for sipping, enjoying and letting it linger.
History of the Negroni
The origins of a Negroni are ambiguous. In Italy in the 19th century, some bars served a cocktail called Milano–Torino, or later Americano. It was made of equal parts red vermouth (sourced from Turin) and Campari (from Milan), but no gin. The story goes that this cocktail was invented in Caffe Camparino in the 1860s, owned by none other than the creator of Campari, Gaspare Campari. The cocktail was popular among the wealthy American tourists, but the latter usually requested a dash of soda in their cocktail, creating the Americano variation.
The name “Negroni” is an established Italian-Corsican family name and the cocktail is most likely named after someone from this family. The most widely-told story is that in 1919 Florence, Count Camillo Negroni visited Caffè Casoni. There, the Count askes the bartender Fosco Scarselli to strengthen the Americano with a dash of gin instead of the regular soda. To signify that the cocktail was different from an Americano, the bartender added an orange garnish. This tale has some holes in it since there is no historical record of a count by that name, but the legacy remains.
Cocktails that were called Negronis at the beginning of the 20th century varied in their ingredients and measurements vastly from today’s recipe. However, the first modern-day Negroni recipe was published in a French cocktail book, ,,L’Heure du Cocktail [Cocktail Hour]” in 1929. There, it was called a Campari Mixte. Regardless of the origins, it has become a beloved cocktail amongst all cocktail enthusiasts and mixologists, more notably after being made famous by James Bond when he was not in the mood for a Martini.
Where can I get the best Negroni in Tallinn?
Most cocktail bars around Tallinn can make you a Negroni, but some of them just stand out amongst the rest.
If you’re craving a fruity, deep and well-balanced Negroni, then you can also head on over to Heldeke!, our lovely vaudeville-style theatre-bar in the hipster region of Kalamaja. Here, you can order the house Signature Negroni. The tarty kick comes from the Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, adding a rich nuance to the short drink.
Sessel Speakeasy is a super cozy and eclectic cocktail bar on Viru street in the Old Town, where the buzz never stops. They have their own seasonal cocktail menu, but will always be happy to make you whatever cocktail you desire. When you order a Negroni here, ask the bartender to make it with Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin. A smile from the bartender with a nod of acknowledgment and a refined, complex and utterly delicious Negroni is guaranteed.
The Old Town also houses Butterfly Lounge, a lively cocktail bar that boasts of energy and a fun atmosphere. Here, you are introduced to a fun take on a Negroni, the Umegroni. The vermouth has been replaced with a Japanese ume fruit liqueur, an intriguing rendition to say the least! Give the cocktail a try, it’s worth indulging in.
How to make a Negroni
Preparing a proper Negroni is quite simple. All you need is a whisky glass, best if pre-chilled, some ice and the liqueurs. A gin of your choice, Campari (essential!) and preferably, an Italian semi-sweet red vermouth. Fill your glass with ice and pour equal parts of the liqueurs (usually 30ml per spirit). Then stir-stir-stir! For garnish, add an orange slice for an Italian twist or go for an orange peel. And voila, you have a wonderful Negroni!
If you need some inspiration for vermouths or gins or you’re intrigued by the different variations of Negronis, here are some of the Heldeke bartenders’ favorite Negroni recipes!
Classic Negroni
You can never go wrong with a Classic Negroni. This one includes Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth and Campari. Mixing these ingredients will render a harmoniously balanced, deep and utterly delicious cocktail. Classy and a bit sassy, the Classic Negroni is perfect to enjoy as a short drink.
Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin is crafted to deliver the best of all worlds: a classically smooth gin that combines Asian botanicals with great Mediterranean citrus. It’s spicy but with great citrus from the whole fresh oranges and native lemon myrtle, a truly modern Australian gin.
Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth is one of the world’s first dry red vermouths, led by aromatic spice and rich dried fruit. Marrying a deep, rich naturally spiced Organic Shiraz with Orange, organic un-wooded Chardonnay and various herbs and fruits.
Campari is a classic aperitif, one that does not need much introduction. A vibrantly red hue, clear and utterly timeless.
Just add equal parts of the gin, vermouth and Campari, mix and serve on ice. For garnish, use an orange peel. Simple!
Heldeke! Signature Negroni
Our Heldeke! Signature Negroni now at your convenience! This cocktail again includes the Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth and Campari, but the twist comes from the gin – Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin. It’s more nuanced than the regular, well-balanced and charmingly fruity. Simply delish!
Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin packs a punch and is ideal in a Negroni. It’s fruity and fun, like a summer’s eve under the Aussie sun. This crazy experiment using dry gin steeped with cool climate Shiraz grapes has become a cult-favourite, the perfect balance of sweet fruit and ginny goodness.
Once again, just add equal parts of the gin, vermouth and Campari, mix and serve on ice. An orange peel for garnish.
White Negroni
A White Negroni offers a herbal, fresh and tarty twist to the Classic Negroni. This cocktail includes Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Regal Rogue Lively White Vermouth and Suze, a citrusy-bitter aperitif. The combination of these ingredients produce a crisp, golden-hued and refreshing long cocktail. Give it a go, it’s riveting!
Regal Rogue Lively White Vermouth is bursting with citrus and floral notes, marrying orange, organic un-wooded Chardonnay with Aussie native herbs and spices.
Suze is a unique bittersweet aperitif. The bitter nature of it comes from yellow gentian roots. The bittersweet flavor is harmonized with notes of orange and candied fresh fruits.
To make it, use the same steps as before, just add mint or elderflower as garnish!
Superior Negroni
A Negroni that’s packed with unprecedented flavour with every sip. This cocktail includes Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth and Campari Cask Tales. Our Superior Negroni offers a nuanced, exciting and well-balanced palate that everyone can enjoy.
Campari Cask Tales is an exciting twist of the classic that tells a story of talented experimentation. Created in honour of the 150th anniversary of Davide Campari’s birth, the heir of the aperitif’s creator Gaspare Campari, it entails a harmony of tradition and innovation. The familiar Campari is matured in second-fill Bourbon casks, which adds a finesse of oaky smokiness to the fruity and herbal liqueur. It leaves a spicy, incense-like aftertaste, that intrigues for further indulging.
You get the gist of how to make it!
Negroni Sbagliato
,,Sbagliato” means broken or mistaken in Italian. However, this cocktail is far from being a mistake. It is a gorgeous take on a regular Negroni, where the gin is exchanged for either Prosecco or Cava. Our Negroni Sbagliato bundle includes Bella Conchi Cava, Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth and Campari. A classy drink for a classy vibe.
Bella Conchi Cava is an exquisite and delicious dry sparkling wine, made with diligence and experience in Villa Conchi. On the nose, notes of ripe strawberries and currants are met with florals. It’s fresh and light to the taste, well-balanced and wonderful. Elegance in a bottle.
Add equal parts of Campari and vermouth to an ice-filled glass. Mix well. Pour the Cava on top and garnish with an orange peel. Yummy!
Cherroni (Cherry Negroni)
When the Greek gods were talking about nectar, this would have been it. A Heldeke! house specialty, it is simply the best cocktail you’ve never had. The Cherroni is made up of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, Campari and Santo Spirito Ratafia. It bursts of bold, lively flavours, most notably cherry. If there’s one Negroni you have to try, this is it!
Santo Spirito Ratafia is a smooth and vivid liqueur. It is a sultry harmony of fermented dark sour cherries and red wine.
Add equal parts of the gin, Ratafia and Campari, mix and serve on ice. For garnish, use an orange peel.
Negroni is a cocktail that takes a bit of courage, but can ultimately be the best sip drink for a night out. We hope this post has intrigued you to step your toes in to the vast world of Negronis! So find the most palatable recipe that suits your taste buds, get your hands on the best ingredients and get mixing! Cheers!
