Garibaldi
The Garibaldi cocktail offers a bittersweet taste with a tangy citrus kick. The Campari provides a herbal bitterness that is perfectly balanced by the fresh, sweet and slightly tart flavor of the orange juice.
Montenegroni Cocktail Recipe
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Montenegroni Nutrition Facts
Calories:~200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~15g
Alcohol:~22%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
Contents
History
The Montenegroni is a twist on the classic Negroni, substituting the traditional Campari for Aperol and the sweet vermouth for Amaro Montenegro. This variation offers a more nuanced bitterness and herbal complexity, likely to appeal to those who enjoy a traditional Negroni but are seeking a new experience.
- Origins: The Negroni itself has a rich history, dating back to 1919 in Florence, Italy. The Montenegroni is a modern take on this classic, emerging as bartenders continue to experiment with different amari.
- Popularity: It has gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate the depth and variety of Italian aperitivi.
- Audience: Perfect for aperitivo hour, it's a hit with those who favor bold, herbaceous flavors.
How Montenegroni Tastes?
The Montenegroni is a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes. The Aperol provides a gentle bitterness and citrusy sweetness, while the Amaro Montenegro adds a complex herbal backdrop. The gin offers a juniper-forward dryness that balances the cocktail, making it robust yet sippable.
Interesting facts about Montenegroni
- Amaro Montenegro is made from a secret blend of 40 botanicals, including vanilla and orange peels.
- The Montenegroni can be considered a 'lighter' Negroni due to the substitution of Aperol for Campari, which is less bitter.
- The cocktail's name is a playful combination of 'Montenegro' and 'Negroni', highlighting its key ingredient.
Ingredients
- Tanqueray gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- Amaro montenegro: 1 oz(30ml)
- Aperol: 1 oz(30ml)
- Grapefruit peel: 1 twist
A few good options for Montenegroni are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Tanqueray Gin
Why 1 oz? It's the perfect balance to not overwhelm the cocktail; too much might overshadow the amore and Aperol. Flavor: Adds a crisp, herbal note. Without It? You'd lose the classic gin kick, turning the drink into an Amaro/Aperol spritz. Alternatives: Hendrick's for a floral take, or Bombay Sapphire for extra zest.
Mary Mitkina
Amaro Montenegro
Why 1 oz? Equals the playing field with gin and Aperol; more could bitter the mix, less wouldn't be enough to shine through. Flavor: Brings a unique bitter-sweetness and complex herbal notes. Without It? No Montenegro, no Montenegroni! Alternatives: Averna offers a sweeter profile, while Fernet Branca amps up the bitterness.
Alex Green
Aperol
Why 1 oz? Balances sweetness and bitterness; too much can overly sweeten the cocktail. Flavor: Adds orange and rhubarb tones. Without It? You'd miss the brightness and the bittersweet contrast. Alternatives: Campari for a sharper bite, or Cynar for an artichoke edge.
Emma Rose
Grapefruit Peel
Why a twist? A touch of zest without overpowering the drink. Flavor: Adds a fragrant citrus aroma. Without It? You'd lose the aromatic finish. Alternatives: Orange peel for a more traditional twist, or lemon peel for a sharper scent.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Montenegroni Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour 1 oz Tanqueray gin, 1 oz Amaro Montenegro, and 1 oz Aperol over the ice.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel.
Pro Tips
- Chill the coupe glass beforehand to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- When garnishing, twist the grapefruit peel over the glass to release its oils before dropping it in.
- For a less diluted drink, stir the ingredients over ice instead of shaking.
Perfect Pairings
Cheese Plate
Charcuterie with bold flavors, like prosciutto, can complement the herbaceous and bitter notes of the Montenegroni.
Desserts
Dark chocolate or chocolate-based desserts with a hint of orange or grapefruit accentuate the bittersweet profile of the cocktail.
Seafood
Grilled octopus or shrimp with a citrus dressing can mirror the citrusy undertones of the drink.
Snacks
Savory snacks like roasted nuts or olives work well with the complex flavors of the Montenegroni.
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What you could change in Montenegroni
- Gin: Any London Dry Gin can be used in place of Tanqueray.
- Amaro Montenegro: If unavailable, a similar herbal amaro like Averna can be substituted.
- Aperol: Campari can be used for a stronger bitter profile.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Montenegroni
Replace Tanqueray Gin with Mezcal for a smoky variation. Recipe: Use 1 oz Mezcal, 1 oz Amaro Montenegro, 1 oz Aperol, and garnish with grapefruit peel. The smokiness of Mezcal adds a new depth to the traditional Montenegroni, creating a sultry dance of flavors.
Floral Montenegroni
Introduce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur in place of Aperol. Recipe: Mix 1 oz Tanqueray Gin, 1 oz Amaro Montenegro, 0.75 oz Aperol, and 0.25 oz St-Germain. The elderflower brings a subtle floral sweetness, lightening the cocktail's tone for a breezy sip.
Bitter Montenegroni
Swap out Aperol for Campari for a gutsier punch. Recipe: Keep the balance with 1 oz Tanqueray Gin, 1 oz Amaro Montenegro, and 1 oz Campari. The trade increases the bitterness, perfect for those who love a more intense experience.
In case you forgot basics how to make Montenegroni
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Montenegroni
Can I make a Montenegroni in a large batch for a party?
Yes, you can scale up the ingredients proportionally to create a large batch for parties. Mix in a pitcher and refrigerate, then serve over ice with the grapefruit garnish.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Montenegroni?
While there isn't an official non-alcoholic version, you can experiment with non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs to mimic the flavors.
What is the best time to serve a Montenegroni?
The Montenegroni, with its bittersweet and herbal profile, is an excellent choice for a pre-dinner aperitif.
How should I store Amaro Montenegro after opening?
Amaro Montenegro should be stored in a cool, dark place. It does not need to be refrigerated but should be consumed within a few months for best taste.
Why do some recipes call for stirring instead of shaking?
Stirring is a gentler technique than shaking and is typically used for clear cocktails to maintain clarity and prevent over-dilution.
What types of ice are best for cocktails?
Large, clear ice cubes or spheres are best for cocktails because they melt slower, diluting the drink less.
How important is the garnish in a cocktail?
Garnishes play a crucial role not just in the presentation but also in enhancing the aroma and flavor profile of a cocktail.
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