![call of the sea tiki puzzle call of the sea tiki puzzle](https://guides.gamepressure.com/call-of-the-sea/gfx/word/564590218.jpg)
In order to fully understand the Negroni, let's break down its components. So where did this recently revived classic come from, and when? The Negroni has also managed to preserve itself for a remarkably long time.Ī common mistake, and one I admittedly made myself, is associating the Negroni with Prohibition era cocktails. Though, sometimes I feel more pickled than preserved. I can attest to this, being the grandson of Italian immigrants, and having preserved myself these 42 years. In Men Without Women Hemingway wrote that a defining quality of the Italian is their propensity for self-preservation. Bright enough to enjoy at elevenses, simple enough for happy hour, cordial enough for after dinner, and strong enough to trip the light fantastic. As the case with many drinks having their roots as an aperitif, Negronis can truly be enjoyed any time of day.
![call of the sea tiki puzzle call of the sea tiki puzzle](https://s.yimg.com/aah/pomegranate/sea-otters-photographs-by-tom-and-pat-leeson-2022-wall-calendar-11.jpg)
That being said, the Negroni is quite versatile as well. The time of year when Manhattans, Sazeracs, and Martinis give way to Diaquiris, Mojitos, and Mai Tai’s.
![call of the sea tiki puzzle call of the sea tiki puzzle](https://images.boatsgroupwebsites.com/resize/1/49/29/7594929_20200919102202420_1_XLARGE.jpg)
The floral bitter notes of gin and Campari remind us of nascent bursts of spring blooms, while rosso vermouth adds a sweetness that takes us out of dark nights huddled in the living room and out to patio afternoons. In my humble opinion every drink has an occasion and every occasion calls for a drink. It’s the perfect spring cocktail as it bridges the gap between the warming nature of bourbons and/or heavy sipping rums into the brighter floral notes associated with mercury rising. This I find to be most true due to the light, fruity, bitter-sweet profile. Now, I’ve made a few references already to the Negroni as a summery drink. Where today we travel to my ethnic homeland of Italy to drink and learn all about the Negroni! Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Tony, and this is Pod Tiki. Somewhere between light and fruity-tart with an air of simple complexity exhibited by the rare few cocktails that have sustained the test of time and taste. It fit the bill right where we needed it to. My wife suggested a drink that I had heard of, maybe even tried at some point, but had slipped my memory. It was sweltering Tennessee summer and while we waited for our table at a boutique burger joint on 12th South we had a hankering for a cocktail that was light and summery while still elegant and classy. The first time I remember having today’s drink though was in a bar here in Nashville with my wife. Later I would rediscover the spirit via Tiki, in drinks like the Royal Hawaiian and Suffering Bastard. The delicate balance of juniper and vermouth ignited a newfound love in me for this classic cocktail royalty.īut, that’s pretty much where I stayed on gin. The purist that I was, even as a novice moppet of a drinker, took me to the gin Martini. These mostly consisted of various flavored varieties till I moved on to straight up vodka and vermouth. In fact, I recall as early as my mid-twenties throwing Martini parties for my friends. I knew I liked Scotch, working my way through the blends eventually finding my way to single malts, and Vodka Martinis were always very popular. My taste for individual spirits was a bit more refined. Having turned legal drinking age in 2001 I was mainly exposed early and often to the residual darkness of 1990’s mixed drinks. One that actually has a small tie to Tiki, being one of the only non-tiki drinks offered on Trader Vic’s menu.
![call of the sea tiki puzzle call of the sea tiki puzzle](https://guides.gamepressure.com/call-of-the-sea/gfx/word/563830937.jpg)
Today we’re diving back into the world of the classic cocktail.