This variation on a Negroni is made with tequila añejo, a somewhat deeper relative of the tequila blanco found in your standard margarita. With the Tequila Negroni, I wanted to experiment with making a slightly darker version of the Negroni without losing any of the main characteristics of the drink.
How Is A Tequila Negroni Different?
The one thing we’re keeping from the standard Negroni is the sweet vermouth. With the addition of tequila añejo, in this case Adictivo, I went with a vermouth with a more bitter edge than my standard Dolin Rouge. Rosemont Capitoline out of Washington, D.C. was a lucky find for this cocktail.
What we ARE switching out is the gin for añejo and the Campari for Cynar. The Adictivo is sweet enough by itself that I felt I needed an edgier vermouth and the Cynar is a little more subtle than the Campari. All in all, I think all three spirits make quite the team for a deeper but mellower take on the classic Negroni.
The final difference is the addition of lemon to the garnish. I fancied it up a bit by using lemon and orange strips, braiding them together for fun. The lemon adds a little bit of brightness to the overall scent and taste. The final presentation is in a fun little rocks glass called a Corkcicle.
How To Make a Tequila Negroni
I chose to keep the standard Negroni construction, consisting of equal parts of all three spirits. This creates a very well balanced and smooth drinking cocktail. The Cynar truly shines and pairs extremely well with the Rosemont Capitoline, and the añejo supports both with its depth.
Tequila Negroni Recipe
- 1oz Adictivo Extra Añejo Tequila
- 1oz Cynar
- 1oz Rosemont Capitoline Vermouth
- Fresh Orange and Lemon Peel
Combine all spirits in a mixing glass, fill halfway with ice (should barely cover the liquid) and stir for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a Corkcicle rocks glass or a standard rocks glass with a single large cube. Braid together 3-4 inch lemon and orange peels for a garnish. Enjoy!