For Negroni Week Try Shatbhi Basu’s Classic With A Twist
Image Credit: Shatbhi Basu

The Negroni is a cocktail with a long and varied past but in recent years it’s made a comeback in a big way. Events like Negroni Week have helped to revive the art behind this classic cocktail but the true torch bearers are the bartenders and mixologists who pour their love and innovation into this craft. One such Negroni devotee is Shatbhi Basu, a pillar of India’s mixology community who has been honing her skills for over 40 years.

In her experience, it takes some time for people to warm up to the Negroni which in its original form is gin, sweet vermouth, Campari bitters and a slice of orange. The combination of strong flavours can sometimes need some tempering, but pros like Shatbhi Basu know exactly how to navigate this issue. “My Negroni variations are ever evolving depending on who I am making it for!” she says, “Each of them is aimed at a different audience.”

For the classic, she uses two variations depending on who she’s making it for, “For those who want the power but are still new I add an orange juice ice sphere in the glass to mellow it further,” she says, “And for Those who like it less sweet, I replace the Rosso red vermouth with an extra dry with a small splash of Cointreau. This makes it crisp and quite delicious.” But if you’re a Negroni newbie and are looking to try something a little bit on the lighter side then her creation, the Ms. Negroni, is the perfect place to start. Topped with Prosecco instead of Vermouth, Ms. Negroni embodies all the best parts of the classic but with a bubbly, fresh finish. So whether you’re a seasoned pro, or just taking your first steps into the Negroni domain, this recipe has you covered.

Glass: Wine

Ingredients:

  • 20 ml Campari 
  • 30 ml gin
  • 10 ml Cointreau
  • Dash of orange bitters
  • Prosecco 
  • Garnish: orange slice/peel, fresh thyme

Method:

  • Add all ingredients except the prosecco in a mixing glass
  • Fill with ice and stir to cool and mellow 
  • Place an ice sphere in the wine glass
  • Strain the cold drink over the ice
  • Top with prosecco 
  • Garnish with the orange peel and thyme