Rhubarb Negroni Cocktail Recipe
Rhubarb Negroni Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:15%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Rhubarb Negroni is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, which itself has a rich history dating back to Florence, Italy in 1919. It was there that Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The Rhubarb Negroni caters to those who appreciate the traditional bitterness of a Negroni but are looking for a unique and slightly sweeter variation. The addition of rhubarb gin adds a touch of spring freshness and a subtle tartness that plays well with the herbal and bitter notes of the original ingredients.
How Rhubarb Negroni Tastes?
The Rhubarb Negroni offers a complex flavor profile that is at once bitter, sweet, and herbaceous. The rhubarb gin introduces a tart and fruity dimension, while the sweet vermouth provides a rich, velvety sweetness. Campari and Aperol contribute the quintessential bitter edge, creating a well-rounded and sophisticated palate experience.
Interesting facts about Rhubarb Negroni
- The Negroni is said to be named after Count Camillo Negroni, who concocted it by asking for a stronger version of his favorite cocktail.
- Rhubarb has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and now it adds a healthful twist to cocktails.
- The Negroni is traditionally stirred, not shaken, to maintain its clarity and texture.
Ingredients
- Slingsby yorkshire rhubarb gin: 0.85 oz(26ml)
- Sweet red vermouth: 0.85 oz(26ml)
- Campari: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Aperol: 0.34 oz(10ml)
- Orange wedge: 1
- Grapefruit twist: 1
A few good options for Rhubarb Negroni are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Slingsby Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin
Rhubarb Gin isn't just a fad; it's the backbone of our cocktail. Producing not just a pretty pink hue but also a tangy zing, the gin plays well with the classic Negroni bitterness. An ounce or so allows the rhubarb flavor without overpowering the balance. Missing it? Without it, you're hitting bland-ville. Substitute with regular gin, and you'll get a more traditional Negroni but miss out on our rhubarb rendezvous.
Emma Rose
Sweet Red Vermouth
A vermouth a day keeps the doctor away, isn't that what they say? Vermouth mellows the cocktail, imparting that smooth, sweet complexity. Less or more can make the cocktail too aggressive or cloyingly sweet. No vermouth? Reach for a Lillet Rouge or Dubonnet for a different sweet note.
Alex Green
Campari
The life of the bitter party - without Campari, it's like a room without laughter. Campari brings a balanced bitterness to the mix. Half an ounce is the sweet spot, any less, and you miss the bitter backbone, any more, and it might get too assertive. All out of Campari? Try Gran Classico for a warmer bitterness.
Mary Mitkina
Aperol
Plays second fiddle to Campari in the bitterness but brings in a touch of herbal sweetness like an unexpected smile from an old friend. The 0.34 oz precisely calibrates to prevent a bitter-takeover. It's the cocktail's secret handshake - miss it, and you're out of the club. Substitute? Luxardo Bitter Bianco for a lighter, less bitter twist.
Emma Rose
Orange Wedge
This garnish isn't just for looks - it provides a subtle citrus aroma that greets you with every sip. Missing it would mean missing that fresh, welcoming scent upon first taste. It also adds a hint of sweetness and acidity when squeezed into the drink.
Alex Green
Grapefruit Twist
Rhubarb and grapefruit are besties that bring out the best in each other. The twist imparts a tangy, slightly bitter note that complements the cocktail perfectly. Forget it, and you've left out the zing that ties it all together.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Rhubarb Negroni Drink
- Fill a short glass with ice.
- Pour in 0.85 oz of Slingsby Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin.
- Add 0.85 oz of Sweet Red Vermouth.
- Measure and add 0.5 oz of Campari.
- Top with 0.34 oz of Aperol.
- Stir the ingredients together until well chilled.
- Garnish with an orange wedge and a pink grapefruit twist.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a channel knife to create a long, continuous grapefruit twist that spirals around the inside of the glass.
- Chill the glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it colder for longer.
- When stirring the cocktail, do so gently to prevent over-dilution and maintain the integrity of the flavors.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Charcuterie Boards: The Rhubarb Negroni's bitter and fruity notes cut through the richness of meats and cheeses, awakening the palate.
- Salted Nuts: The saltiness complements the drink's complexity and enhances its inherent sweetness.
Main Courses
- Grilled Salmon: The fruity rhubarb and citrus garnishes of the cocktail echo the pink flesh of the salmon, creating harmony on the taste buds.
- Duck Breast: The gamey flavors of duck are balanced by the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth.
Desserts
- Chocolate Tart: The bitterness of the cocktail provides a nice counterpoint to the rich and sweet chocolate.
- Rhubarb Pie: Definitely a thematic pairing; the cocktail pays homage to the pie with each tangy sip.
Cheeses
- Gorgonzola: The blue cheese's strong flavors are mellowed by the cocktail, highlighting the drink's botanicals.
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What you could change in Rhubarb Negroni
- If Slingsby Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin is not available, any quality rhubarb-infused gin can be used as a substitute.
- In place of Sweet Red Vermouth, a different brand of sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula can be used for a similar flavor profile.
- Aperol can be substituted with another orange-flavored aperitif if needed, though it will slightly alter the taste.
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And of course - twists🍹
Rhubarb Sparkling Negroni
- Prosecco: Add a splash (about 1 oz) of Prosecco to the top to create a fizzy version of the Rhubarb Negroni. The effervescence adds a new texture while lightening the drink just slightly. When the lightness of Prosecco meets the depth of our Rhubarb Negroni, it's not just a sip, it's a celebration.
Rhubarb Negroni Spritz
- Tonic Water: Replace Aperol with an equal part of tonic water for a longer, more refreshing take on the original. Serving it in a wine glass with more ice and an additional orange slice enhances the spritz experience. It tickles the palate with a different kind of bitterness and fizz.
White Negroni With Rhubarb
- Lillet Blanc and Suze: Swap out the Sweet Red Vermouth and Campari for Lillet Blanc and Suze respectively to achieve a lighter, more herbal Negroni. The sharp bitterness of Suze alongside the slight sweetness of Lillet Blanc gives the rhubarb gin a different stage to perform its tart dance.
In case you forgot basics how to make Rhubarb Negroni
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Rhubarb Negroni
What is the origin of rhubarb gin?
Rhubarb gin is a flavored gin that incorporates the tangy taste of rhubarb, a vegetable known for its reddish stalks and tart flavor. Its origins can be traced to the use of rhubarb in culinary contexts, with distillers incorporating it into gin to create a unique and fruity variation of the classic spirit.
Can Negronis be batched for a party?
Yes, Negronis are an excellent cocktail for batching. Combine the ingredients in larger quantities, maintaining the ratios, and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Serve over ice and garnish as needed, which makes it convenient for hosting.
What is the best glassware to serve a Rhubarb Negroni in?
A Rhubarb Negroni is traditionally served in an old-fashioned glass, also known as a lowball or rocks glass, which allows for plenty of ice and the perfect contemplation of its vibrant color.
What is the difference between Aperol and Campari?
Aperol and Campari are both Italian aperitifs, but they differ in flavor and alcohol content. Aperol is sweeter and has a lower alcohol content, whereas Campari has a higher alcohol content and a more bitter taste.
How long can you store a premixed Rhubarb Negroni?
A premixed Rhubarb Negroni can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month when sealed in a clean, airtight container. The high alcohol content acts as a preservative.
Is there an ideal season for enjoying a Rhubarb Negroni?
Rhubarb is typically in season from April to June, making the Rhubarb Negroni particularly enjoyable in the spring and early summer when its namesake ingredient is at its peak freshness.
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