Enzoni

ABV 15.4% / 1.8 Alcoholic Units

Primary Spirit: Gin

A Brief History of an Enzoni

The Enzoni was created in the early 2000s by Vincenzo Errico, a bartender at Milk & Honey in New York City. It was crafted as a lighter, more playful twist on the classic Negroni, aimed at those looking for a cocktail that bridges the gap between bitter and sweet. Since its creation, the Enzoni has become a popular modern classic, particularly among gin and Campari lovers looking for something refreshing with a hint of complexity.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Enzoni has a refreshing and balanced flavour profile, combining the bitterness of Campari with the fresh sweetness of green grapes and the botanical depth of gin. The result is a slightly bitter, tangy cocktail with a fruity, herbal backbone. The sweetness from the grapes helps mellow the bitterness, creating a drink that’s bright, slightly dry, and easy to sip.

Food Pairings

The Enzoni’s balance of bitter, sweet, and fruity flavors pairs beautifully with fresh, light dishes:

• Charcuterie Boards: The cocktail’s slightly bitter and fruity profile pairs well with cured meats, olives, and mild cheeses.

• Grilled Vegetables: Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus lightly charred on the grill bring out the earthy, herbal notes of the gin.

• Lemon-Garlic Shrimp: The citrus in the shrimp dish complements the fresh lemon juice in the cocktail, while the slight bitterness of the drink contrasts nicely with the rich flavours of the shrimp.

• Goat Cheese Salad: The tangy creaminess of goat cheese and fresh greens balance the drink’s bitterness and enhance the fruity notes of the grapes.

Bar Equipment:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Muddler
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine sieve
• Rocks glass

Ingredients

• 30ml London Dry Gin
• 30ml Campari
• 20ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5 x Fresh green grapes (seedless)
• 15ml Simple syrup*
• Garnish: Skewered orange slice and green grape

*Simple syrup - one part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool.

Method

• Muddle the 5 x grapes in the cocktail shaker
• Add the rest of the ingredients into the shaker with ice and shake
• Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice/one large single ice cube
• Garnish: Skewered orange slice and green grape

What's the best Gin for an Enzoni cocktail? 

The best gin for a Enzoni cocktails is typically a high-quality London dry gin. Here's why London dry gin is the preferred choice for this modern classic cocktail:

• Juniper-Forward Flavour: London dry gins are known for their strong juniper flavour, which is a defining characteristic of the Enzoni. Juniper provides the cocktail with its signature piney and resinous notes.

• Balanced Profile: London dry gins typically have a well-balanced flavour profile, with a combination of botanicals and citrus notes. This balance complements the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of grape in the Enzoni.

• Versatility: London dry gin is versatile and pairs well with the other ingredients in the Negroni, creating a harmonious and classic flavour combination.

• Herbal Complexity: London dry gins often include a variety of botanicals, such as coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel, which add herbal complexity to the cocktail.

Popular brands of London dry gin that are frequently recommended for making Enzoni cocktails include Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, and Gordon's. These gins offer a well-balanced juniper-forward profile that pairs beautifully with the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of sweet vermouth.

The Enzoni Cocktail is a modern classic that artfully combines the bitterness of Campari, the fresh sweetness of grapes, and the botanical complexity of gin. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balanced and sophisticated drink. Pair it with light, flavourful dishes like charcuterie, grilled vegetables, or seafood for a complete tasting experience.