Negroni

The Negroni: A Classic Italian Prelude to Dinner

For our evening aperitivo at Spiaggia, I opted for a Negroni—a fitting choice given the restaurant’s Italian pedigree and reputation for honoring the classics. It was my wife’s turn to choose our dining destination in Chicago, and she made a fine call. Nothing complements a warm summer evening quite like a refined Italian meal overlooking Lake Michigan. Of course, a great Italian meal begins with a proper aperitivo, and Spiaggia’s Negroni is as proper as they come.

To my surprise, the server brought me two Negronis, one freshly made, the other batched and rested from the day before. This wasn’t a mistake—it was a lesson. He explained that the aged version was served to demonstrate how a cocktail, like a good wine or cheese, can evolve with a bit of patience. The fresh Negroni was bold and assertive, its flavors bright and distinct. The aged one, however, had softened edges and a graceful integration of botanicals and bitterness—smoother, deeper, and altogether more refined. It was a simple but striking way to set the tone for the evening: familiar ingredients, elevated through care and experience.

A Little History

The Negroni is the very definition of Italian aperitivo culture—timeless, bracing, and stylish. Its origin story dates back to around 1919 in Florence, when Count Camillo Negroni, seeking something stronger than his usual Americano, asked his bartender to swap the soda water for gin. The bartender obliged, added a slice of orange for a twist, and the Negroni was born. It has since become an enduring icon of pre-dinner sophistication.

Tasting Notes

A traditional Negroni is composed of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, stirred and served over ice—typically with an orange garnish. It’s a cocktail that pulls no punches. The bitterness of Campari dominates at first sip, softened by the warm, herbal sweetness of vermouth and the sharp, clean backbone of gin. It’s not a beginner’s drink, but for those who appreciate complex, grown-up flavors, it’s a deeply satisfying ritual.

As with espresso or aged cheese, the Negroni is an acquired taste—one that becomes more compelling the more you engage with it. Its bitterness is a palate awakener, its structure a model of balance. Whether sipped slowly on a patio or enjoyed with a bowl of olives and good conversation, the Negroni does exactly what an aperitivo should: prepare your mind and palate, for the pleasures to come.

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