WHAT THE HECK IS A NEGRONI?

That was my question to Patrick…the amazing mixologist behind the bar at The Iberian Pig in Decatur. I was looking for a cocktail that would provide some type of sensory sensation and after explaining my situation (tasteless/smellless), he suggested a Negroni.

So what is?

The Negroni is one part gin, one part sweet vermouth and one part bitters, traditionally Campari. It is considered an aperitif and the joke is that it is a drink typically enjoyed by the likes of Orson Welles, James Bond and older gentlemen,  never by a lady(oh well). Everyone says the drink is an acquired taste that you either love or hate.  Well I liked it…it had a definite bitter element on the back of the palate that I could sense and found quite pleasant. My buddy Keith (how do you food blog ) took one sniff and one sip of my drink and declared it undrinkable. Clearly, he fell into the hate category.

Now the funny part is that before I lost my sense of taste, I absolutely HATED Gin. Wouldn’t drink, couldn’t drink it and now it is 1/3 of a new favorite drink. (One of the  bonuses of this experience has been my willingness to try foods I typically disliked — Gin, chocolate, etc.).

Many cocktails are sultry and seductive creations and this one fits the bill for me. Try it and let me know what you think.

I am The Tasteless Gourmand!