Properly Sauced: Mezcal Negroni

By Anthony Todd in Food on Jul 16, 2012 6:00PM

One of the best things to see on a cocktail menu is a new twist on a classic. When we saw this Mezcal Negroni on the menu at Maison, we just had to order it. Created by Liz Pearce, this drink is a great way to incorporate some more Mezcal into your life while using up that bottle of Campari gathering dust on your bar.

Negronis are very stylish at the moment, mostly because they combine flavorful bitterness with a light, refreshing chill that's perfect for summer. This drink adds a new level, mixing in the smoke from the Mezcal to give the drink a much more complicated finish. It's easy to make at home, and you don't need to use super-fancy Mezcal If you're not familiar with Mezcal, the less-famous Mexican spirit, take a look at Roger's primer from last year.

Mezcal Negroni

3/4 ounce gin

3/4 ounce mezcal (at Maison, they use Vida)

1 ounce Campari

1 ounce Camparo Antica vermouth

Combine all ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake to combine, and serve. You can serve it on the rocks for a summer party, or up in a martini glass for a sophisticated dinner. On the rocks, garnish with a lemon slice. Straight up, garnish with a lemon twist.