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How to Make a ‘Count Mario Tucci’ Negroni

Rosanna Scotto and Max Tucci with Negronis

One of the most legendary and celebrated cocktails in the world is the Italian Negroni. As noted in my entertaining/cookbook, The Delmonico Way: Sublime Entertaining & Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant that Made New York, my father, Mario Tucci, the famed restaurateur, first discovered the Negroni at Harry's Bar in Firenze. He insisted on having it Delmonico’s, and decades later, I insisted on having the cocktail in my book.

As legend has it, and as I write in the pages of my book, "The story of the Negroni began in 1919 at the Caffè Casoni in Florence. There’s no documented historical account, but it is believed by cocktailians that Count Camillo Negroni invented the drink when he ordered an Americano made with gin in place of the usual soda water from bartender Fosco Scarselli."

Legend also has it that when my father first met my mother, he served her a Negroni and said, “If she can stand up after a Negroni, she’s a keeper.” My father’s secrets for this cocktail are to serve it in a chilled balloon glass, garnish with an orange peel, and top it off with a superb vintage Champagne.

In the spirit of the Delmonico way, I give to you the recipe of the Mario Tucci Negroni. Cin-Cin and Salute!

How to Make a 'Count Mario Tucci' Negroni

How to Make a 'Count Mario Tucci' Negroni

Recipe by Max Tucci
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Recipes
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

1

minute
Cooking time

minutes

Ingredients

  • Ice cubes

  • 1 ounce 1 Campari

  • 1 ounce 1 gin

  • 1 ounce 1 sweet red vermouth

  • 1 1 orange peel twist

  • 1 ounce 1 (a splash) Champagne

Directions

  • Fill a frozen balloon glass with plenty of ice.
  • Pour Campari, gin, and vermouth over the ice cubes. Gently stir with a bar spoon.
  • Garnish with the orange twist.
  • Add a splash of Champagne and serve.

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