Drinks
Chiltern Firehouse Negroni
Although first created for Count Camillo Negroni in 1919, the classic negroni has reigned as one of the world's best and most frequently ordered cocktails for nearly a decade. A sophisticated yet simple concoction of equal parts gin, vermouth, and campari makes a bittersweet aperitif that follows a restaurant trend of introducing bitter foods such as dark chocolate, kale, and charred Brussels sprouts to the American dinner. If you like a bitter IPA, this is the grown up drink for you. How bitter the drink is has much to do with the smoothness of the gin. For the novice and anyone scared of ordering a gin-based cocktail, Plymouth gin is a bit sweeter and smoother than most (think earthy and less junipery). It offers a brilliant jumping off point to trying this ruby colored Italian gin-based sweetheart of a cocktail. The CHILTERN FIREHOUSE, a world class London restaurant and bar in the chic Marylebone neighborhood, uses Plymouth Gin and substitutes classic sweet vermouth with the pedigreed Carpano Antico red vermouth. Considered by most the finest vermouth in the world, this perfectly balanced aromatized fortified wine helps to create a near perfect negroni. If in London, do wrangle a reservation and eat and drink at this 1889 fire station turned celebrity hang out complete with 1970's skin tight uniforms hugging aspiring model waitresses. If not across the pond any time soon, go ahead and see what the fuss is all about, mix this drink, clink your glasses, and stimulate your appetite. Cheers!
