Behold the Negroni. It’s sweet, bitter, bright, and seductive; exactly the way you should be describing your summer as you reflect upon it here in the last few days. The magic of the negroni lies in the way it’s built, combining three bold, dynamic spirits that on their own, have nothing to do with each other that somehow, with a bit of ice and some stirring, become kindred.

Here I show you how to embrace the beauty of this classic cocktail and a few ways to put your own spin on it. Build it up, stir it around, pour it out, shake it down, tear it up, make it yours.

For the drinker with an elevated palate or the desire to get there. The magic of the Negroni lies in its balance of bitter and sweet, citrus and aromatic. It achieves this with a balanced combination of Campari, a bitter grapefruit liqueur from Italy with a bold color and exact recipe that has been kept a secret for hundreds of years. The slightly citrus and wholly bitter taste pairs perfectly with a bright, florally gin. We love Dorothy Parker or Perry’s Tot. One named after sharp, witty, New York wordsmith, Dorothy Parker gin is as complex as the woman behind the name. The other, their stronger, Navy-strength gin is named after for Matthew Calbraith Perry who served as Commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a legendary figure known for his infectious spirit and impenetrable resilience. Plus, both of these spirits are distilled just down the street. Finally, we add Dolin Sweet Vermouth, a sophisticated, herbaceous and very French spirit that pulls it all together.

1oz Dorothy Parker or Perry’s Tot Gin

1oz Campari

1oz Dolin Sweet Vermouth

Add ice and stir. Pour over one big cube and garnish with a slightly burnt orange peel.

The negroni’s sexier, more seductive cousin, this version substitutes Cynar for Campari, an Italian liqueur made from artichokes. The result is a smoother, sexier cocktail and the audible substitution across the bar will turn just the right heads. Your response? A barely-perceptible grin, slight eyebrow raise and sip in their direction. Trust me, the rest will fall into place as your spirit slowly dissipates.

1oz Hendrick’s Gin

1 oz Cynar

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Add ice and stir. Pour over one big ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.

OR get one made from the hands of yours truly, at Le Fanfare in Greenpoint.

It’s smokey, it’s dangerous, it’s that person you turn into as soon as you leave the office on a Friday. Full of secrets and thirsty for mischief, this cocktail is the perfect pairing.

1 oz Montelobos Mezcal

1 oz Campari

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Add ice and stir. Pour over one big ice cube and garnish with a burnt orange peel.

For the bourbon drinker. This variation of the negroni has a little age on it. It’s wiser and bolder and will make you feel as such.

2 oz  4 Roses Bourbon

3/4 oz Campari

3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth

Add ice and stir. Pour over one big ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.