The Deeper Meaning Behind The Southern Orchard Negroni

As Campari plays a central role in the making of a Negroni cocktail, it’s only fitting that Campari would play a central role in Negroni Week.

The semi-official, week-long celebration but also marketing event promoting the Negroni has been running for more than a decade now since it was first launched by Imbibe Magazine in 2013. And that effort has arguably paid off; the Negroni was distinguished as one of the most popular cocktails of 2023, with on-premise sales growing 44% last year.

While many cocktail lovers clearly adore a traditional Negroni, it is a drink that welcomes creativity. As a result, Campari has teamed up with mixologist and cocktail historian Tiffanie Barriere, a participant in the company’s Red Hands program, a global initiative that brings together top bartenders from around the world to showcase their creativity and expertise in cocktail-making. The program challenges participants to reinvent classic cocktails (such as the Negroni, of course) while honoring Campari’s heritage.

Barriere was tasked with crafting an inventive take on the traditional Negroni. The result is a decidedly Southern twist that blends fall ingredients like apple, cinnamon and maple syrup with the essential components of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth.

Barriere tells Forbes that she drew inspiration from the flavors of Southern fall cooking.

"I wanted to pay homage to the comfort and nostalgia of Southern cooking while staying true to the sophistication of the simple and classic Negroni," she explains.

Named the “Southern Orchard Negroni,” the cocktail maintains the original Negroni’s signature balance of Campari, gin and sweet vermouth but adds a unique regional flair.

It’s for those crisp fall evenings when you want something that’s both comforting and sophisticated,” Barriere says. “I envision it being enjoyed during cozy gatherings with friends and family, perhaps at dinner or a porch chat.”

Despite the addition of new ingredients, Barriere emphasizes that maintaining the integrity of the Negroni was crucial.

"The key was to ensure that the new flavors—apple, cinnamon and maple syrup—enhanced rather than overwhelmed the traditional elements of the Negroni," she says. “It required a careful hand to maintain the cocktail’s complexity while integrating these warm, seasonal notes. It was about finding that sweet spot where the Southern ingredients complemented the classic profile of the Negroni that heroes Campari without losing its essence.”

Barriere hopes that this cocktail will contribute to the evolving landscape of Southern mixology.

"The Southern Orchard Negroni represents a bridge between classic cocktail traditions and Southern creativity,” she says. “It’s about celebrating our heritage while continuing to innovate.”

Barriere’s recipe is a bit more complex than the traditional Negroni, usually made with equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, then served over ice and garnished with an orange peel. But the Southern Orchard Negroni could be worth the effort with this recipe below

Southern Orchard Negroni

Ingredients

• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce apple-infused gin
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/4-ounce pecan-infused maple syrup
• Apple slice, for garnish
• Orange twist, for garnish

Apple-Infused Gin

• 1 cup gin

• 1 whole Honeycrisp apple, sliced
• Cinnamon stick

Pecan-Infused Maple Syrup

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted

Instructions

1. To make the apple-infused gin, add the gin, sliced apple and cinnamon stick to a jar or container. Let it infuse at room temperature for 24 hours, then strain out the apple slices and cinnamon stick.
2. To make the pecan-infused maple syrup, follow the same instructions as in the previous recipe.
3. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
4. Add Campari, apple-infused gin, sweet vermouth and pecan-infused maple syrup.
5. Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds.
6. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
7. Garnish with an apple slice and an orange twist.