At an unlikely bar, in an unlikely strip center, on an unlikely highway in New Jersey, cocktails rule! With creativity not often found outside major cities thirsty lounge lizards, bar flies, connoisseurs,  inebriates, and tempered sippers can find the joy of booze at a high order. It was Nicole’s 10.

Back then, years ago, you might have run into Nell who ruled the roost here and if you’re lucky she would have made you a drink of uncommon pleasure.

One of her favorites here, named by her bar staff for the queen, is the Nellgroni.

Simply rendered, built in the glass with equal parts of the ingredients you see. No fuss. No muss. Just stirring goodness. Sip it slowly.

This version swaps the traditional Campari for Amaro di Angostura, which will create a richer, spicier, and warmer take on the classic.

The “Nellgroni”

This recipe uses the classic equal-parts ratio ($1:1:1$) to let all three distinct ingredients shine.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Brooklyn Gin

• 1 oz Amaro di Angostura

• 1 oz Noilly Prat Rouge Sweet Vermouth

• Garnish: Orange Peel

Instructions:

1. Combine the Brooklyn Gin, Amaro di Angostura, and Noilly Prat Rouge in a mixing glass filled with ice.

2. Stir continuously for about 20-30 seconds. The goal is to chill and dilute the drink perfectly without making it cloudy.

3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

4. Garnish by expressing the orange peel over the drink to release its fragrant oils, then drop it into the glass.

What Makes This Work

• The Twist: Using Amaro di Angostura instead of Campari shifts the flavor profile from bright and sharply bitter to deep, warm, and spicy. Expect notes of cinnamon, dark chocolate, and licorice to form the drink’s bitter backbone.

• The Gin: The fresh, vibrant citrus notes of Brooklyn Gin are crucial here. They will cut through the richness of the amaro and vermouth, providing a bright lift and preventing the drink from becoming too heavy.

• The Vermouth: Noilly Prat Rouge is a wonderfully complex vermouth with notes of baking spice and vanilla that will beautifully complement the similar notes in the Amaro di Angostura, tying the whole cocktail together.

 

Nell in Paris