Sweet and Sour Cherry Negroni

Liam Davy

Hawksmoor, the London-born steakhouse concept, has carved out a name for itself with fantastic steaks and chops, along with a signature Sunday Roast. But it also stands out with an award-winning bar program. The feather in that program’s cap? The Sour Cherry Negroni.

“This vibrant, bright red cocktail starts with the crisp botanicals of Fords Gin, layered with Campari’s signature bitterness, the lively tartness of acid-adjusted cherry juice, and the delicate fruitiness of rosé vermouth. Stirred and strained over a large ice cube, it delivers a perfectly balanced interplay of sweet, sour and bitter notes, finished with a succulent cherry,” says Liam Davy, beverage director.

Negroni spin-offs are a best bet today, with bitter-forward drinks finding favor with modern diners. But Hawksmoor broadens the appeal by staying true to the classic while softening its edges. “Our guests love this drink because it looks beautiful—deep ruby red with a large ice block and a stemmed cherry on top—but also because it stays faithful to the classic Negroni, offering just a hint of red fruit that augments the original,” he says. “For many who find the original a little too bitter and slightly challenging, this is a fantastic gateway into bitter Italian aperitifs.”

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