One of the worst kept secrets at The Oxford Artisan Distillery is that we all favour a Negroni. When it comes to our craft cocktail bar and staff parties, there’s not a staff member on site who can’t be seen clutching a Negroni and so naturally, we had to come up with our own take on this classic cocktail, using our artisan spirits.
It is widely acknowledged that bartender Forsco Scarselli is to thank for the existence of the Negroni as we know it today. Upon receiving a challenging request at The Casino Bar in Florence in the early 20th century, for more of a ‘kick’ in his Americano, Scarselli obliged. He swapped out the Americano’s modifier of soda water to gin and exchanged its lemon garnish for orange. In making these two changes Scarselli made cocktail history and immortalized this deep ruby beverage.
The saffron in our Ashmolean Dry Gin brings the Sloe-Groni’s signature bitterness to the fore, balancing the sweet, jam and marzipan top notes added by the Dam Sloe Gin. The cinnamon and orange peel notes, provided by the Campari, result in a vivacious treat for the palette. This is an Italian classic with a truly British twist.
SLOE-GRONI INGREDIENTS
- 20ml Dam Sloe Gin
- 5ml Ashmolean Gin
- 25ml Sweet Vermouth
- 25ml Campari
SLOE-GRONI STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE
- Add ice to a rocks glass.
- Add all the ingredients to the glass and stir.
- Alter the ratio of Dam Sloe Gin to Ashmolean Gin to taste.
- Garnish with an orange slice.