Remember that big bottle of Campari I had to buy when I posted my Italian Greyhound cocktail? Well, it’s time to drag it out of the liquor cabinet for a bunch of Negronis to celebrate the arrival of Spring.
A Negroni is such a pretty cocktail especially when it is served “up” in a stemmed glass with a garnish of orange peel. That’s exactly what my friend, Mary Constant, ordered when we shared a drink or two last November, in a beautifully paneled bar in San Francisco. She sat down and announced, “I know exactly what I want”, a very Mary kind of remark.
Mary is a hard-working, fun-loving, adventurous woman who I met through the food52 site over five years ago. She lost her beloved husband Freddy just about a year ago, and has spent the year  working so hard, running their winery atop of Diamond Mountain in Calistoga, Napa Valley. Larry and I were fortunate to stay as guests a few years back, in their vintage farmhouse that is now the guesthouse.
Mare, this post is for you, and in memory of your Freddy. The courage and strength you have shown this past year have been a testament of your love for one another and the rich life you shared. As you would say, “Cheers!”
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce sweet red vermouth
- orange peel, optional garnish
- Combine Campari, gin and vermouth in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
- Shake, pour, add garnish and serve.
This is beautiful to look at. If a negroni is the cocktail for Spring, what should we be drinking down in Australia to celebrate (?) Autumn? 🙂
How about a toast to the weekend, Maureen, fall or spring 😉
What a lovely toast to Mary, and with such a beautiful drink!! And what a fun evening that was 🙂
It was a terrific reunion, Susan. My Bay Area food52 friends mean so much to me.
You mean a lot to us too 🙂
Thanks, Susan –
Cheers indeed. I’ll raise a glass this weekend too. GREG
Thanks, Greg, I really wanted to salute my friend.
I just wrote “campari” on my grocery list.
I still have a huge bottle, Dorothy – come to San Diego and we can celebrate – unable to make Camp Blogaway this year.
Lovely tribute to Mary. And what a gorgeous cocktail indeed!
Thanks, Wendy – reading about your strawberry season in Florida inspired my next post, I think.
So pretty! I have a bottle here at the house and I’ve yet to make this cocktail. You’ve inspired me! 🙂
Let’s share one this summer, Ani!
What a nice tribute and a beautiful looking cocktail!
Thanks, Jayne, sorry for the delay – jury duty kept me busy.
Right back at ya’, Liz. That photo is making me thirsty!
Steve, is it Spring yet for you? Enjoy the warming weather with a spring cocktail…
I can’t decide if I’m ready for a cocktail or a second cup of coffee! This is lovely Liz – the cocktail and the tribute. I hope to raise a glass with you in person some time this year!
It’s a pretty cocktail but I’m not in love with Campari yet – yes, we shall meet up!