We asked the worlds most experienced gin Master Distiller, our very own Desmond Payne MBE, about his favourite cocktail: the negroni.

The negroni has always been a popular gin-based cocktail. It is a serious, grown-up drink. But just as gin has seen a blossoming of new styles, so has the Negroni. Much as I love to taste new expressions of the drink and the excitement it brings, for me I always go back to the classic style. A classic cocktail made with classic ingredients? It makes sense.

 

Beefeater gin has the wonderful citrus notes of bitter Seville orange peel that combine so well with the Italian bitters and vermouth.

 

My motto is ‘keep it simple’ so:

○ 1 part Beefeater London Dry Gin
○ 1 part Campari
○ 1 part sweet vermouth – I use Martini Rosso
○ Pour over ice and stir. Garnish with a slice of orange.

 

Simple!

 

To try a lovely variation to this classic Negroni, just substitute the Beefeater London Dry Gin with Beefeater Pink Strawberry. A slightly less bitter Negroni but a new classic.

 

Cheers!