Horses aren\u2019t the only ones off and running during Derby week. There\u2019s also plenty of competition among Louisville\u2019s cocktail shakers. Leave it to Iron Bartender winner Jennifer Pittman of Proof on Main to get into the race with her own entry: a bourbon Negroni, sired by the enduring Italian aperitif.<\/p>\n
Traced to Count Camillo Negroni of Florence, the traditional Negroni is a bracing ruby-toned concoction of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. But with Pittman\u2019s swap of bourbon, it loses its trademark astringency, becoming a little warmer to the taste\u2014more relaxed, more Southern.<\/p>\n
In adapting the drink, Pittman adhered to her cardinal rule: Don\u2019t hide spirits with too many flavor elements. \u201cCocktails are about balance,\u201d she says. \u201cBecause bourbon isn\u2019t the only standout spirit in the mix, I used Old Forester. It is a perfect mixing bourbon, neither too sweet nor too spicy, letting the unique flavor of the Campari and bitters shine through.\u201d She also chose Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth, prized for its herbaceous, almost botanical qualities.<\/p>\n
With the ratio just right, it comes down to stirring or shaking. \u201cI like shaking, although many cocktail enthusiasts will argue with that,\u201d Pittman says. \u201cBut I\u2019m of the opinion that if you want that delicate top layer of little ice chips on your drink, which I love, then shake vigorously.\u201d<\/p>\n
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A Kentucky cocktail with Italian roots<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":34304,"template":"","categories":[2392,1780,2391],"tags":[29482,51,29480,47,48,183,50,18032],"authors":[1825],"issue":[2375],"recipe-type":[2506],"class_list":["post-782","recipe","type-recipe","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drinks","category-food-and-drink","category-recipes","tag-bitters","tag-bourbon","tag-campari","tag-cocktails","tag-drinks","tag-louisville","tag-recipes","tag-spring-recipes","authors-francine-maroukian","issue-april-may-2011","location-kentucky","recipe-type-cocktails"],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\n