St. Agrestis “phony Negroni” Recipe

Chill glassware

Place two old fashioned glasses in the freezer or fill with ice and cold water while you prepare the cocktail ingredients to ensure the drink stays cold when served. Chill for at least 5 minutes.

Measure and combine

In a mixing glass or a large chilled beaker, combine 3 oz St. Agrestis nonalcoholic aperitif, 1 oz nonalcoholic bitter aperitif (Campari-style), 1 oz nonalcoholic gin alternative, and 0.5 oz sweet vermouth-style nonalcoholic blend per serving. If using the orange cordial for extra roundness, add 0.125 oz (1/8 oz) per serving. For two servings, total the amounts: 6 oz St. Agrestis, 2 oz bitter aperitif, 2 oz gin alternative, 1 oz sweet blend, 0.25 oz orange cordial.

Add bitters (optional)

If you have a nonalcoholic aromatic bitters substitute, add 2 dashes per two-servings batch (1 dash per serving) and stir briefly to integrate. Note: omit if strict zero-proof bitters are not available.

Stir with ice

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes. Stir slowly and continuously for 20–30 seconds to properly chill and lightly dilute the mixture. Aim for a clear, slightly chilled mixture — not cloudy.

Prepare serving glasses

Discard the chilling ice/water from your old fashioned glasses and add one or two large ice cubes to each glass.

Strain

Strain the chilled cocktail evenly into the two prepared glasses over the large ice cubes (use a Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh to keep small ice shards out).

Express the orange oil: Hold an orange peel over one glass, skin-side down, and give it a sharp twist to release essential oils over the surface of the drink. Rim the glass with the peel by rubbing the outer edge along the glass lip to impart more aroma.

Drop the peel into the drink as garnish. Repeat with the second glass. If you wish to lightly flame the peel for extra aroma, do so only if you are not strictly zero-proof and you understand flame safety; otherwise serve unflamed.

Serve immediately while cold. The Phony Negroni is best enjoyed within 5–10 minutes before the large ice cube over-dilutes it.