As I open the door I’m greeted by Maki’s wagging tail. In no mood to play, I do my best to brush her away, but our sweet dog’s persistance wins me over. Fine… just a few minutes. She guides me into the living room so we can roll around on the floor. Soon, she has me pinned down and I get attacked with a few licks of her tongue, leaving long streaks of slobber across my glasses.

Exhausted, I call it quits and get my body off the ground. Maki, disappointed, retires to her bed. She wonders if maybe, just maybe, I’ll come back to play with her. Sorry pup, I’m finished for the night. It’s time to make dinner… and mix a drink.

After a long day, the kitchen becomes my sanctuary. Before any onions are chopped, I throw a few rocks into my glass. An aperitif is in order to ease into a relaxing night of nothingness. I whip up my old standard: a Negroni. An equal pour of the three ingredients, a quick stir, and we’re in business.

Before the drink hits my lips, I shave a piece of orange peel and rim the glass with it. The result is subtle, but effective. The aroma of the citrus breathes life into the Negroni, but a bitter herbaceousness is present in the first sip, mellowed only by the sweet vermouth. Another taste and my mind is no longer thinking of work and the stresses of my day. I’m in the here and now.

The onion and garlic sizzle as they hit the pan of butter. I rub my hand across my perspiring forehead, only to look down to see the glass sweating as well. You and me both, my friend. I pick up my drink. Cheers. Sip. Smile.

Classic Negroni

Yield: 1 cocktail Glassware: Rocks Glass

Tools Bar spoon Jigger or shot glass

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz

(45 ml)

gin 1 1/2 oz

(45 ml)

Campari 1 1/2 oz

(45 ml)

sweet vermouthIce

Orange peel, garnish

Ice

Instructions

1. Fill the glass with ice, followed by the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir gently.

2. Rim the glass with the orange peel and then add the peel into the drink.

3. Serve.