The Enigmatic Autumn Negroni
The Magnified Negroni
The Autumn Negroni is a Negroni in its most intensified form. It’s larger, drier, and more profound. This cocktail takes the essence of a classic Negroni – its layers, bitterness, and boozy nature – and magnifies them to new heights. It’s as if the standard Negroni has undergone a transformation, emerging as a powerful entity, angular and imposing, like a superhero in the world of drinks.
The Elegance within Complexity
The Autumn Negroni’s elegance is truly a marvel. Comprising gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and also Cynar, Fernet Branca, Orange Bitters, and Peychaud’s Bitters, it might seem overly complex at first glance. When one first encounters this list of ingredients, skepticism is understandable. After all, the standard Negroni is already a complex and bitter concoction. Why add more elements of bitterness? Creating a seven – ingredient cocktail with clarity and elegance is no easy feat. One might think that with so many bitter components, the addition of Peychaud’s Bitters would be superfluous.
The Birthplace of the Autumn Negroni
The Autumn Negroni hails from the Violet Hour, a neo – speakeasy that has become a legend in Chicago’s cocktail scene since its opening in 2007. This establishment has frequently been a finalist at the Spirited Awards and won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Beverage Program in 2015. Toby Maloney, the lead bartender, even authored a book, The Bartender’s Manifesto, which also won a James Beard Award in 2023. Their expertise is beyond question. When I first saw the Autumn Negroni on their menu, I was bewildered as to how such a drink could achieve balance. But curiosity got the better of me, and I ordered it.
The Symphony of Flavors in the Autumn Negroni
A Flavorful Revelation
How wrong I was in my initial doubts. This cocktail was a revelation, opening my eyes to new possibilities in mixology. The liqueurs in the Autumn Negroni blend harmoniously, like the layers of a fall outfit, each having its moment to shine. The bitters play a crucial role, revealing their flavors at different times, creating waves of taste that prolong the finish. First, the sweetness of the amari combines with the juniper of the gin and the anise hint of Peychaud’s Bitters. Then, the bittersweet Campari and the brightness of the orange bitters emerge. Just when the Campari’s bitterness threatens to dominate, the quarter – ounce of Fernet Branca with its peppermint and menthol notes comes to the fore, only to be subdued by the long, earthy finish of the Cynar. It’s a beautiful relay of flavors.
The Autumn Negroni’s Enduring Appeal
The Autumn Negroni may not be in Maloney’s book or on the bar’s website. I discovered it by chance, fell in love with it, obtained the recipe, and have been sharing its wonders for the past 13 years. It’s not for the faint – hearted; it’s much sharper than an Aperol Spritz and more alcoholic than an Americano. But for those who appreciate its boldness, the Autumn Negroni never disappoints. It’s the ideal drink for a November evening, for brisk nights during the season. In times of change and uncertainty, it offers strength and bitterness, along with the complexity and elegance to hold your attention as long as you savor it.
