Merriman's Negroni Recipe
Tenjaku Gin, Punt e Mes Vermouth/Amaro, Campari and a hint of Licor 43, aged in an oak barrel until deliciously mellow. No garnish, because we like its purity. Served neat, but feel free to specify 'On The Big Rock.'
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Ingredients
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Cocktail Base (barrel blend for 1 serving)
Aging / Equipment
Serving (optional)
Method
Prepare and Sanitize Barrel
- 1
Rinse and sanitize
If using a new or dormant oak barrel or stave, rinse with warm filtered water to remove dust. Sanitize with a food-safe sanitizer per manufacturer instructions or pour boiling water into the barrel, swish and drain. Let the barrel rest upright with the bung out for 5–10 minutes to equalize temperature.
- 2
Seasoning the barrel (if new/unfilled)
If the barrel is brand new and dry, fill it with hot (not boiling) filtered water, plug the bung, and let it sit for 1–2 hours to swell the oak and reduce leakage. Drain and sanitize again before adding spirits.
Blend and Fill Barrel
- 3
Combine the gin, Punt e Mes vermouth, Campari and Licor 43 in a clean mixing container. For a single-serve batch in a small barrel: use the amounts listed in Ingredients (1 oz gin / 1 oz Punt e Mes / 1 oz Campari / 0.25 oz Licor 43). Stir gently to integrate.
- 4
Pour the blended mixture into the prepared oak barrel or insert the stave/spiral into a tightly sealed container with the blend. Seal the barrel with its bung. Label with the date and contents.
Aging
- 5
Age the blend in the small oak barrel at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Check the flavor daily after the first 24 hours. Small barrels and staves impart oak quickly — taste at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Expected target: mellowed, slightly rounded bitterness and integrated sweetness without heavy woody tannins. Typical aging time: 24–96 minutes? (see correction)
- 6
Recommended aging window: 12–72 hours for a light oak influence; 3–7 days for a deeper oak influence. For a profile described as 'deliciously mellow' start tasting at 24 hours and every 12–24 hours thereafter. When the balance of bitterness, sweetness and oak meets your preference, decant.
Decanting and Serving
- 7
Open the barrel and pour the aged Negroni neat into a mixing glass or bottle to stop oak contact. If serving immediately: chill the serving glass slightly if desired.
- 8
Serve neat in a rocks glass without garnish (the original intent). If the guest requests 'On The Big Rock,' place one large ice cube in the glass and pour the aged Negroni over it. No citrus or additional garnish.
- 9
Store any remaining aged blend in a sealed bottle away from light; it will continue to slowly evolve but the oak influence will stop once removed from oak contact.
