We created this Negroni with a new Amaro to us, Cio Ciaro, which would make a perfect cocktail without adornment, but we like to create so I infused it with figs to create something spectacular. It worked beautifully.

The Gin: New Amsterdam, had been our standard, it’s done now, time to try something new.

The Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula

The Amaro: Amaro CioCiaro

More: Dried figs, nutmeg, orange slices

We started with muddling 6 dried figs in 8 oz. of the Cio Ciaro and let that rest for a few hours. 

We chose the CioCiaro because it has a vibrant bittersweet herbal citrus flavor. It is a great substitute for the rare Amer Picon and great for making the Brooklyn, a Rye cocktail that rivals the Manhattan.  The name is after an old term for the central region of Italy. The secret recipe was created in 1873. We will be using a lot of this.

At cocktail time we mixed the infused Cio Ciaro in equal parts with the Carpano Antica Vermouth, and Gin.  2oz/2oz/2oz for each cocktail stirred well over very frozen spring water ice. Poured into small glasses with a slice of orange and a fig, with a dusting of nutmeg.  Fabulous. Served with dessert with French cheese and pears.