Name: Blood Orange Negroni
Prep time: 1 min
Total time: 1 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 oz (30 ml) gin; 1 oz (30 ml) campari; 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth; 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed blood orange juice; singed rosemary (optional garnish)

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The blood orange negroni is a refreshing take on the ever popular Italian classic. Freshly squeezed blood orange juice (naturally tasting of sweet orange, tangy grapefruit, cherry, and raspberry) brings a punchy freshness that pairs perfectly with the negroni, which is citrusy and bitter yet sweet, and features dark fruit flavours.

A blood orange negroni with an orange slice and white flowers.

Blood oranges are typically in season from December through April, but you may be lucky enough to still find some in May. I suggest you pick up a couple next time you spot some at the market. Then you can try this delicious cocktail for yourself. In the words of my friends, "That's really good!"

The negroni cocktail is believed to have originated in Florence, Italy, in 1919 by Pascal Olivier Count de Negroni. These days it can be found in bars around the world and has become a true classic (though very often modified) cocktail. In this version, the blood orange juice replaces the traditional slice of orange served with the cocktail in Italy - or twist of orange peel served elsewhere.

A slice of orange and white flowers on a brown, woven fabric.

Ingredients

Gin

Campari (a staple Italian liqueur)

Sweet vermouth

Freshly squeezed blood orange juice

A blood orange negroni and white flowers on a woven fabric.

How to make a blood orange negroni

Add all of the cocktail ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until it has become well chilled, then strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. You can optionally garnish with some fresh thyme, or a sprig of singed rosemary. Either of these will add a pleasant aromatic to your drink.

Interested in another twist on a classic cocktail? Try my delicious apple whisky sour that is infused with some tasty, fresh apple cider. The only downside I can find with it is that I have to wait until apple cider is in season to enjoy it! Good thing there are lots of other tasty drinks to keep me occupied.