Bergamot Negroni

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 30 ml Gin
(Preferably Njord Gin, United Natures)
- 30 ml Blanc Vermouth
- 30 ml Home-made Bergamot Liqueur

GARNISH:
- Dehydrated Bergamot Wheel.

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass.
• Add ice and stir for 30-45 sec. or approx. 60 revolutions.
• Strain over large cube of fresh ice into a cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a dehydrated bergamot wheel.

For a while now, I have been interested in usage of bergamots in cocktails. First thing on the list was to get a hold of some bergamots, not as easy as it seemed. Next, was finding the best way to incorporate bergamots into a drink. Simply juicing the fruit sounded a bit too easy, so I decided to make myself a liqueur. Finally, after long preparation and days of waiting the liqueur was finished and I was able to test some new recipe ideas.

Once I have tasted the home-made liqueur, I instantly thought that it would go great in a Negroni variation. A perfect template to showcase bitter and aromatic notes of the liqueur. Being true to the classic recipe I kept things as simple as possible. Using gin bringing its dry juniper notes. Bergamot liqueur standing in for the Campari with aforementioned bitterness. Last but not least, blanc vermouth with its sweeter aromatic notes paring well with the liqueur and bridging the gap between gin and liqueur. I recommend using gin with a touch of sweet, aromatic botanicals like United Natures by Njord it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients.

All in all, my experiment resulted in a delicious drink, that is full of fruitiness, botanical aromas and plenty of booze. Perfect choice to relax with on a warm evening.