Shaking It Up: Crafting the Bencini, A Lighter Take on the Classic Negroni

Are you in the mood for a refreshing deviation from the conventional Negroni? Not that anyone could tire of such a classic, yet, on the off chance you’re seeking a lighter variation, we have a delightful recipe at hand.

The Negroni, it goes without saying, is a universally adored cocktail. Its intricate and vibrant taste has gained it an immortal status among enthusiasts. However, there are instances – rare, but existent – when a slight twist can prove to be a welcome change, particularly if it redefines the cocktail without straying from its commendable origins.

Thus, today, we present to you the Bencini cocktail, a variant that calls for the substitution of gin with light rum.

The proportions remain the same: one-third light rum, one-third sweet vermouth, and one-third bitter.

Yes, purists will be horrified! The wild, rough, and balsamic heart of the gin gives the Negroni its unmistakable and luxurious taste. If you add rum to it, it tends to calm down and get sweeter. In fact, it’s true. But there’s a way out. First, use a bitter that is very strong and “tangy”. Then, add a few drops of angostura. So, you can balance out the softness of the rum with a strong herbaceous note that will cut through the whole drink.

Ingredients

• 3 cl light Cuban or Barbados rum
• 3 cl bitter
• 3 cl red vermouth
• 3 drops of Angostura, optional but strongly suggested
• orange peel
• ice

How to Craft the Bencini Cocktail

1. Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass with some ice.
2. In a mixing glass filled with ice, add all the ingredients.
3. Gently stir the concoction to meld the flavors and cool down the ingredients.
4. Discard the ice from the glass and pour in your prepared cocktail.
5. Express an orange peel over the drink, imbuing it with the fragrant citrus oils.
6. Garnish to your preference with an orange slice or peel and a maraschino cherry.

Food Pairings

The Bencini cocktail is robust, sweet, and filled with captivating and dynamic flavors. Don’t hesitate to pair it with hearty dishes such as red meat, spicy Indian and Mexican cuisines, or marinated beef. Suggested dishes: chicken curry, tacos with pico de gallo, beef Wellington.

Other Rum-based Cocktails to Try

For those with a penchant for rum, other noteworthy cocktails include Daiquiri, Mojito, Mai Tai, and Zombie.”