Mezcal Negroni

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Chill 2 short glasses if possible. Fill a mixing glass or sturdy jug with the ice cubes. Add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

2. 2

   Stir for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is very cold and slightly diluted; the outside of the mixing glass should feel frosty. Proper stirring softens the bitterness and lets the smoky mezcal integrate with the vermouth.

3. 3

   Cut 2 wide strips of peel from the orange, avoiding as much white pith as possible. Express each peel over a glass by twisting it skin-side down to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim.

4. 4

   Place fresh ice in the serving glasses if desired, then strain the cocktail evenly between the 2 glasses. Garnish each with an orange peel and serve immediately.

Nutrition per serving

Notes

• •For the most balanced version, use an equal-parts ratio by volume: 30 ml each spirit per serving.
• •If you prefer a colder, silkier drink, stir a few seconds longer rather than shaking; shaking over-aerates a Negroni-style cocktail.
• •A softer, less bitter profile can be achieved by increasing sweet vermouth slightly and reducing Campari by 5-10 ml total.
• •Use a good-quality mezcal joven with gentle smoke so it complements rather than overwhelms the drink.

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