Premier Padmini Negroni Recipe

1. Chill glass

Place an old-fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer or fill with ice water to chill while you assemble the cocktail ingredients.

2. Prepare garnish

Using a vegetable peeler or small knife, cut a 1½–2 inch strip of orange peel avoiding too much pith. If using an orange wheel, cut a thin slice and set aside.

3. Fill a mixing glass or shaker (without shaking) with the large ice cubes. Add 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Campari.

4. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters and 0.25 oz simple syrup to slightly soften the bitterness and round out the finish.

5. Stir the mixture briskly with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 30–40 full revolutions) until the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted — the mixing glass will sweat and the liquid will be slightly smoothened.

6. Discard the chilling ice or water from the chilled glass. If using a large ice sphere or a single large cube, place it into the chilled rocks glass.

7. Strain the mixed cocktail over the large ice in the chilled glass using a Hawthorne or julep strainer so the drink is clear and free of small shards.

8. Express the orange peel over the drink: hold the peel skin-side down about 3–4 inches above the surface and give it a sharp twist to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass. Optionally rest an orange wheel on the rim or float it on top.

9. Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the balanced bitter-sweet interplay. If desired, provide a stirring straw so guests can re-incorporate chill as the ice melts.