This Negroni riff was one of three drinks featured in my Autumn Aperitivo class (2021). The class version combined aged apple brandy, amaro, and Madeira or sherry, with a small measure of maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Served over a big cube and garnished with an orange twist. At Gigantic in Easthampton, MA, it’s on the menu featuring more specific choices—that recipe, which Ned King and I tweaked together, is featured below, as well as on Punch.
INGREDIENTS
1 oz. Laird’s bonded apple brandy
1 oz. oloroso sherry, preferably Lustau Don Nuño*
½ oz. Averna*
½ oz. Braulio amaro*
¼ oz. high-quality maple syrup
A tiny pinch of salt
An orange twist, for garnish
ABV LEVEL
Combine all in a mixing glass. Fill three-quarters full with ice, stir, and strain into a double rocks glass over a big cube. Garnish with an expressed orange twist.
*you can also make this drink with medium-dry Madeira in place of sherry and/or with just one amaro. Any of the following will work nicely: Meletti, Ramazzotti, Amaro Abano, Amaro CioCiaro, Sfumato Rabarbaro, or Argalà.
