I am infatuated with the Negroni. In fact, I'm obsessed with most things bitter - beer, coffee, tahini - and have been doing a lot of experimenting in the past year adding cocktail bitters into my drink making repertoire.
I love any riff on the classic Negroni. Most recently I've been using Amata, Amaro and lightening up the classic drink by adding sparkling wines + tonics.
My recipe combo tonight is meant to whet your guests appetites as they walk through the door. The acidity from the tomatoes + balsamic, balance nicely againgst the bitterness of the Aperitif. It's also meant for the host to snack and sip on as he or she putters in the kitchen. Pop some jazz on spotify, pull out your best glassware and let's get this party started!
The Negroni Fizz
Ingredients
1 chunky ice cube
1 ounce local gin *I used Victoria premium cocktail gin*
1 ounce Rubato Aperitif from Bitterhouse
1 ounce of bittersweet vermouth
A splash of Fentimans tonic
Garnish with orange peel twist
Instructions
1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 3 ice cubes
2. Shake + strain into glass
3. Top with tonic
4. Add garnish + serve
Caprese Brushetta (adapted from House of Yumm)
Ingredients
1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella
2 cups chopped tomatoes (roma or cherry)
6-8 fresh basil leaves
1 high quality loaf of bread *I used the market loaf from Batard Bakery*
1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. Reduce balsamic in small saucepan over low/medium heat for 8-10 minutes and then put to the side.
3. Chop up the fresh mozzarella
4. Finely chop the tomatoes
5. Slice basil into thin ribbons
6. Slice the baguette into - approx 1/4". Brush one side of each slice with olive oil and place olive oil side down on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-6 minutes, until lightly brown.
7. Distribute mozzarella evenly on toast slices and return to the over for 4-5 minutes until slightly melted.
7. Serve toasted bread topped with fresh basil and tomatoes, drizzle with the balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh ground black pepper.
Check out some more amazing dishes from Vancouver's talented bloggers by continuing on the virtual potluck (links below)!
Or go straight to the the Piquant Marketing Blog and check them out there. Thanks for such an inspiring idea!
