This was the first weekend in over a month where we had nothing planned. Nowhere we needed to be, no one visiting. We could move at our own pace, be as lazy as we'd like. Our Saturday night was just what we needed: some time in, curled up on the couch, a roaring fire going (Maki may have enjoyed this even more than we did). I cooked a big pasta dinner topped with lobster and cherry tomatoes and we binged on TV shows we'd been meaning to catch up on.
As we approach even more holidays, I've been thinking about what makes a good cocktail to serve at a party. For me, the easier it is, the better. Something light and refreshing and, ideally, not intensely boozy (because you know there won't just be one consumed). We always have the makings of Negronis in the house and I've found there are simple ways to put a twist on things. In addition to gin (I used Prairie Organics Spirits), sweet vermouth, and Aperol, some fresh grapefruit juice and orange bitters really brings the citrus notes to life.
Grapefruit Negroni
Yield Serves 6
Ingredients
3/4 cup ruby red grapefruit juice (from 2-3 grapefruit)
3/4 cup gin
3/4 cup sweet vermouth
3/4 Aperol
5-6 dashes orange bitters
Grapefruit wedges, for garnish
Directions
1. Combine the grapefruit juice, gin, sweet vermouth, Aperol, and bitters in a pitcher filled with ice cubes. Give the mixture a good stir.
2. Pour 4 ounces of negroni into rocks glasses filled with 3-4 ice cubes. Garnish with grapefruit wedges.
