Whatever the story is behind this fortuitous afternoon at Caffè Casoni, the Negroni has since become a favorite of bartenders to sip and riff on and coveted by the nerdy cocktail set. You've likely had a couple of the Negroni's more popular variations such as the bourbon-based Boulevardier or an Old Pal with rye whiskey. Easy to make, easy to riff, easy to sip, here are five Negronis in Atlanta worth your while.
Eleanor’s at Muss & Turner’s
1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE #309, Smyrna. 770-434-1114, mussandturners.com/eleanors.
Credit: Beth McKibben
Credit: Beth McKibben
The Painted Pin
737 Miami Circle NE, Atlanta. 404-814-8736, thepaintedpin.com.
Grain
While the Italian Job from Grain is more of a riff on an Americano, the 1860s classic aperitivo is said to have inspired the creation of the Negroni. Remember turning soda water into gin? But rather than give you the straightforward cocktail of Campari, sweet vermouth and soda, the bar takes cues from Count Negroni himself and swaps fizzy water for the effervescent Stiegl-Radler (grapefruit juice and Goldbräu lager). It's crisp, citrusy and 100% refreshing on a hot day.
856 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-881-5377, grain-bar.com.
Poor Hendrix
2371 Hosea L Williams Drive SE, Atlanta. 404-549-8756, poorhendrix.com.
The Pinewood
They say everything gets better with age. It's true because a barrel-aged Negroni is a gorgeous thing. Resting in oak mellows this cocktail out and transforms it into a smooth, luscious libation. The Pinewood fine tunes the classic combining gin and Campari with the richness of Cocchi Torino vermouth and the mint notes of the herbaceous Alpine Amaro Braulio (also aged in oak.) The intense combination settles as it rests but retains a robust flavor with hints of oak from the barrel. A Negroni even a hardcore whiskey drinker will love.
254 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-373-5507, pinewoodtr.com.
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