Ah, the Negroni
Some drinks simply get it right. The Negroni is one of them. Equal parts bitter, sweet and effortlessly sophisticated. It’s the kind of drink that feels at home anywhere: on a sun-dappled terrace in Florence, or by the riverside here at Devour in Holmfirth as the evening light softens across Yorkshire skies.
Whether you’re an old-school Negroni devotee or you’ve never quite understood the fuss, allow us to help you fill your next glass with a little authentic Italian refinement and give you something to remember for next time you’re leaning against a bar.
So, What is a Negroni?
The Negroni is a classic Italian aperitivo, born in Florence around 1919 (the same year a certain football team in Leeds was founded 😉). Legend has it that Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his Americano (a lighter cocktail comprised of Campari, sweet vermouth and soda) and just like that, gin took the place of soda and an icon was born.
The result? A bold, ruby-red concoction with a bitter bite and sweet balance. The perfect drink to open up your appetite and mood in equal measure, alongside your favourite antipasto.
Our Authentic Negroni Recipe
You’ll need:
25ml Dry London Gin – at Devour we use Wolf Bros. Dry London Gin, made just down the road in Leeds, for its clean juniper and citrus balance. Tanqueray also works beautifully, bringing a classic crisp edge.
25ml sweet Vermouth – We stick to authentic Italian greats: Carpano Antica Formula or Chazalettes. Rich, spiced and slightly velvety. Because when it comes to vermouth, Italy reigns supreme.
25ml Campari, of course – the heart-blood of a Negroni, both bold and unapologetically bitter.
The Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass (or straight into your rocks glass if you’re keeping things simple)- and our Devour twist; adding a teaspoon of sushi rice.
Yes, you read that right. The rice act as a natural thickening agent, giving your Negroni that luxurious mouthfeel without diluting flavour.
Fill generously with ice and stir for 30 seconds – long enough for everything to get acquainted.
Strain (or double strain, if you added sushi rice – that means strain and sieve the cocktail by the way), into your rocks glass, fill with ice and garnish with an orange twist, being sure to express those citrus juices over the drink.
“So, there you have it, a Negroni straight from Devour’s bar in Holmfirth.
Now to Sip, Smile and Repeat.”
Meet the Negroni Bianco
If you love a Negroni, but fancy something a little different – allow us to introduce you to its elegant cousin: the Negroni Bianco.
Born from the same Italian spirit, but swapping that ruby red for crystal clarity. The Negroni Bianco delivers all the complexity of the original – but with a lighter, floral twist. Don’t be fooled by its delicate appearance, though, it still packs plenty of flavour (and, yes a respectable punch of alcohol).
Think Juniper, citrus and gentle herbal notes – a little less fire, a little more finesse.
Negroni Bianco Recipe (a Devour twist)
You’ll need:
25ml Dry London Gin – Again, we love locally made Wolf bros. for its smooth, juniper base, but Tanqueray is an excellent substitution.
25ml Dry Vermouth – We recommend Chazalettes Extra Dry for its bright, herbal finish.
25ml Luxardo Bitter Bianco – clean, bitter and brings the perfect amount of complexity to this authentically luxury drink.
The Method:
Just like before: add all the ingredients into a mixing glass (or a rocks glass), fill with ice and stir for 30 seconds to bring everything together.
This time without any secret ingredients, to not muddy that water-like finish which gives this drink its elegant look and attitude.
Then, single strain into your glass, add ice and garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of rosemary, be sure to take a moment and admire that beautiful clarity.
Devour at the Dyehouse
Two Negronis, Two Moods
The classic Negroni is all about boldness – that rich, ruby bitterness, the confident hit of gin and a sweet-spiced vermouth pulling it all together.
The Negroni Bianco is quieter, more refined and beautifully balanced, with a hint of freshness that feels like a lazy afternoon by the Amalfi coast.
So, for whatever Negroni fills your glass this evening – red or white – here’s to good company, great flavours and cocktails that never go out of style.
And if you prefer your cocktails made for you, and your near Huddersfield, you’ll always find a glass waiting for you at Devour at The Dyehouse.