The Negroni: A Timeless Classic and Lynrace’s Bold New Twist
Few cocktails have stood the test of time quite like the Negroni. Its rich history, balanced bitterness, and vibrant flavor have made it a staple of cocktail culture, beloved by bartenders and drinkers alike. Yet, even in its long reign, the Negroni is not immune to reinvention.
At Lynrace, we’ve always had a soft spot for the classics, but that doesn’t mean we can resist tinkering with them. Enter the Lynrace Negroni, our take on the iconic cocktail, made with a slightly different approach and beautifully balanced mix of unequal parts that redefines what a Negroni can be.
A Brief History of the Negroni: Bitter Roots and Bold Beginnings
The Negroni’s origins can be traced back to Italy, a country with a long-standing love affair with bitters and bold flavours. The cocktail was reportedly invented in 1919 at the Caffè Casoni in Florence, where a regular patron, Count Camillo Negroni, requested a more robust version of his favourite drink, the Americano. Legend has it that the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, replaced the soda water in an Americano with gin and added an orange garnish, thus creating the drink that would bear the Count’s name.
The beauty of the Negroni lies in its simplicity: equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. Bitter, sweet and aromatic, it’s a deceptively simple combination that has managed to remain remarkably relevant for over a hundred years.
Lynrace’s Modern Twist: Crafting the Lynrace Negroni
While the traditional Negroni remains timeless, at Lynrace, we’ve always believed in creating experiences that are both rooted in history and forward-thinking. Inspired by the original Negroni but with a contemporary flair, our bartenders set out to craft a version that would embody our philosophy: unique, balanced, and deeply flavorful, yet with a surprising twist.
The result? The Lynrace Negroni, a carefully curated mix of Salcombe Gin, Cocchi Dopo Teatro, and Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter, three premium ingredients that elevate the original Negroni into something entirely new.
The Lynrace Negroni: The Ingredients
Salcombe Gin : The base spirit in our Negroni is Salcombe Gin, a premium gin from the coastal town of Salcombe in Devon. Known for its delicate balance of botanicals, Salcombe Gin is fresh, aromatic, and brimming with bright citrus notes. This gin offers a sophisticated backdrop for the other ingredients, with its nuanced profile that ranges from floral to zesty, providing an elevated twist to the usual London dry gin.
Cocchi Dopo Teatro : For the vermouth, we chose Cocchi Dopo Teatro, an exceptional Italian vermouth that brings a touch of refined complexity to the drink. Originating in the late 19th century in the heart of Turin, Cocchi Dopo Teatro (which translates to “after the theatre”) was originally crafted for a post-performance aperitif. It offers a harmonious blend of botanicals, with rich notes of dried fruit, spices, and a delicate sweetness that balances the bitterness of the other ingredients.
Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter : While Campari has long been the bittersweet backbone of a traditional Negroni, at Lynrace, we’ve opted for Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter, an artisanal bitter with a more complex and herbal profile. With hints of orange, rhubarb, and aromatic herbs, Gran Classico brings depth and sophistication, offering a subtler, less abrasive bitterness than its famous counterpart. This twist gives our Negroni a refined finish, while maintaining that signature bite that Negroni lovers crave.
Unequal Parts: A Bold Balance
What sets the Lynrace Negroni apart from its classic counterpart is the ratio of ingredients. Rather than adhering to the traditional one-to-one-to-one ratio of gin, vermouth, and bitters, we’ve crafted a more nuanced blend of unequal parts, elevating the distinctiveness of each ingredient.
This unequal balance results in a cocktail that still maintains the essence of a Negroni but with a smoother, more refined profile. The gin shines through with a subtle, citrusy brightness, while the vermouth adds a velvety, herbal sweetness. The Gran Classico Bitter provides a gentle bitterness that lingers, enhancing the drink without dominating it. The final result is a Negroni that’s bold, balanced and perhaps just a little bit different.
The Lynrace Experience: More Than Just a Cocktail
At Lynrace, we believe that a great drink is not just about the ingredients, but the experience it offers. Our Negroni isn’t just a cocktail, it’s an invitation to pause, savor, and enjoy the subtleties of life. Whether you’re sitting at our bar in the heart of Oxford or enjoying a moment of relaxation at home, the Lynrace Negroni offers a sensory journey that combines history, craftsmanship, and modern innovation.
Much like the original Negroni, our version invites you to explore the interplay between bitter and sweet, old and new, tradition and innovation. And while the Lynrace Negroni might be a modern reimagining of a classic, it’s grounded in the timeless appeal of a drink that’s been enjoyed for over a century.
The Negroni, Reinvented
The Negroni has endured as one of the world’s most iconic cocktails for over a hundred years, and its legacy continues to inspire bartenders and drinkers alike. With the Lynrace Negroni, we’ve taken this classic drink and redefined it, carefully selecting premium ingredients that bring a new dimension to the traditional recipe. By playing with unequal parts, we’ve crafted a Negroni that’s unique, balanced, and memorable, a drink that’s both an homage to the past and a nod to the future of cocktail culture.
So, whether you’re a Negroni aficionado or a newcomer to the world of bittersweet cocktails, the Lynrace Negroni is an experience worth savoring. Cheers to history, innovation, and the perfect pour
Image Credit: Lynrace MMXXI
“Lynrace Negroni”