Finally found olives that work with an Aperol Spritz. In Venice so many came with an olive, and it worked. But I struggled to find olives here that work, but finally success. Got these at Mariano’s.
Not really sure why I’m asking as I don’t like Aperol (but my wife does so there’s that) …. But … what is the issue with the olives - the variety or the liquid they are in?
When we were in Venice, it seems like all the Spritzes had an olive garnish. Surprisingly, it worked. But I couldn’t find olives here that worked. I think the brine has to be right. Anyway, my wife bought these for a party, and I got to thinking, I bet these might work. So I tried them today, and they did.
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I think this variety is pretty mild and rich tasting.
Tonight’s Negroni is quite light and fresh:
1.5 Bar Hill gin
1 Bordega vermut rosso
1 Peychaud’s bitters Aperitivo
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No Campari or similar bitters?
My bad, it’s Peychaud’s Aperitivo. That takes the place of Campari.
Thanks, never heard of it.
My goto Xmas Negroni is not a Negroni but I’ll still post it here:
Half Carlo Alberto Vermouth Bianco Riserva
Half Gin (most frequent are XII or Residence but we see a lot of different gins “interning” in our house)
No campari or additional bitters.
Stirred not shaken. 1 small ice cube.
The vermouth is killer.
I’m of mixed feelings on Bar Hill Gin. Sometimes I’m very into it. Other times, the honey aspect is too sweet for me.
I haven’t tried it straight in a long time, will have a taste next time I have the bottle out.
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My new favorite. I call it a “Perfect Smoky Negroni” 
Try it!
1 campari
.75 Mezcal
.75 Tequila
1/2 sweet vermouth
1/2 dry vermouth
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Very interesting. Two recipes using (some) white vermouth.
Regarding the smoky negroni my approach is bourbon and smoke some resemary over the drink.
Tequila is interesting and will def have to try that. I don’t have Mezcal, is that critical or could I double the tequila? (I tend to avoid buying a bottle of liquor just for a trial round of drinks).
Mezcal gives it the smokiness.
Del Maguey Vida is what I use and is a good one for mixing.
Stock up
“Focus group” (ie a couple of neighbours who dropped in) last night rather underwhelmed. The smokiness definitely there. Consensus was that it was quite good but not as good as classic version or my “Grand Negroni” (with gin swapped out for Grand Marnier Louis Alexandre and orange bitters, and using Carpano Antica - not on hand last night).
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Sorry to disappoint. I would have used a blanco tequila, not anejo. Anejo flavor profile is quite different and would definitely affect the overall flavor of the drink. I didn’t think to clarify the type of tequila.
Aha! I’m a total tequila newbie. This is a bottle I happened to have around that I’d been given. I did pick up the Mezcal.
Suggestions for a blanco?
(I will be attempting to re-create a “Top Shelf Margarita” (that included Mezcal and Grand Marnier) so I may seek your advice on the Tequila for that).