St. Agrestis Phony Negroni Recipe

Measure and combine

Add 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, and 0.75 oz St. Agrestis Bitter into the mixing glass.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with crackling or cubed ice. Stir gently but deliberately with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 rotations) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted (the spoon should leave a slight trail in the liquid).

Prepare serving glass

Place one large clear ice cube or sphere in the chilled old-fashioned glass. If serving tableside, keep the glass empty and the ice separate until presentation, then set the ice into the glass when presenting.

Strain

Using a Hawthorne (or julep) strainer, strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the rocks glass over the craft ice cube.

Finish and garnish

Express an orange twist over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down about 2–3 inches above the surface and giving it a quick twist to release oils. Rub the peel around the glass rim, then drop the twist into the drink. Optionally spritz a tiny bit (one quick spritz) of orange blossom water over the top for an aromatic lift, if using.

Serve tableside with the craft ice visible; present the mixing glass and tools if you wish to dramatize the tableside preparation.

If preparing ice ahead: freeze distilled or boiled-and-cooled water in a square silicone mold or ice ball mold to produce a large clear cube/sphere. For clearer ice, freeze slowly in an insulated cooler or directional-freeze container so impurities migrate away from the center. Remove and store in the freezer until service.

When serving tableside, place the chilled rocks glass on the table, set the large craft ice into the glass at presentation time, then pour the strained cocktail over the ice so guests see the cube and the pour.

If glass was not pre-chilled, hold chilled mixing glass over the serving glass for a moment to allow visual steam and emphasize chill during presentation.

Keep a clean bar spoon and tongs available to handle the craft ice hygienically. Presenting the final twist and a visible, slow pour enhances the tableside experience.

All ingredient components used in the cocktail correspond to steps above: measurement, stirring, straining, ice placement, and garnish.