Friday has rolled around again,which means it is time for Friday Cocktails! Can you believe it is already November? Two months left in the year. I can believe it and not at the same time. It is so funny how time seems to fly when the older you get. This past week has been a full but good one.

The middle of the week beckoned for an adventure. I set aside my routine and ventured into a nearby nature reserve. The rustling leaves, the melodious birdsong, and the earthy scent of the forest served as a respite from the daily hustle. It was a reminder of the rejuvenating power of nature and the importance of taking time for oneself. The week also brought with it the opportunity for culinary creativity. I spent some time experimenting in the kitchen, trying my hand at new recipes and savoring the results with my family. It was a day of indulgence and culinary exploration—a reminder of the joy that can be found in savoring new flavors.

THIS WEEK’S COCKTAIL

This week’s cocktail is the Negroni and its history can be traced back to the early 20th century in Italy. The cocktail is believed to have been created in Florence when Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender at Caffè Casoni to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The bartender added an orange garnish instead of the usual lemon to signify the new creation, and thus, the Negroni was born.

Fun Facts about the Negroni

1. The Perfect Aperitif: The Negroni is considered the ultimate aperitif, designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Its slightly bitter and complex flavor profile is said to prepare the palate for the flavors to come.
2. Vermouth Varieties: While the classic Negroni is made with sweet vermouth, you can also enjoy variations with dry vermouth or even a mix of the two. Each variation offers a unique twist on the original.
3. Negroni Week: Negroni lovers celebrate their favorite cocktail during Negroni Week, a global event that takes place in June. Bars and restaurants around the world create their own Negroni variations and donate a portion of the proceeds to charitable causes.
4. Iconic Garnish: The traditional garnish for a Negroni is a wide orange peel, expressing its citrusy aroma over the drink. Some variations include an orange slice or a cherry.

Recipe: Classic Negroni

• 1 oz (30 ml) gin
• 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
• 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
• Orange peel or slice, for garnish

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the glass.
3. Stir the mixture well until it’s chilled and well-mixed.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a wide strip of orange peel or an orange slice.
6. Serve and enjoy!

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