The Enzoni cocktail offers a delightful and modern spin on the classic Negroni, perfect for those seeking a balanced blend of bitter, sweet, and sour notes. Created by Vincenzo Errico in 2003 at Milk & Honey in New York City, this innovative cocktail replaces the traditional sweet vermouth with muddled green grapes, resulting in a unique and refreshing flavor profile. If you’re a fan of Negronis or Gin Sours, the Enzoni is a must-try.
What is an Enzoni Cocktail?
The Enzoni is essentially a hybrid of a Negroni and a Gin Sour. It retains the gin and Campari from the Negroni but introduces fresh lemon juice and muddled grapes to add a sour and fruity dimension, reminiscent of a Gin Sour. This makes it a lighter and more approachable option, especially for those who find the classic Negroni too bitter.
Ingredients for the Perfect Enzoni
Here’s what you’ll need to craft your own Enzoni cocktail:
- Gin: 1 oz (30 ml). A London Dry Gin is typically recommended for its juniper-forward flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Campari: 1 oz (30 ml). This provides the signature bitter-sweetness essential to the drink.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 0.75 oz (22.5 ml). Freshly squeezed is always best for optimal flavor.
- Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz (15 ml). Balances the sourness of the lemon and bitterness of the Campari. A semi-rich simple syrup (1.5:1 sugar to water) can add a slightly more luxurious texture.
- Green Grapes: 5 seedless. These replace the sweet vermouth and add a fresh, fruity element.
- Garnish: Grape and/or orange slice.
Step-by-Step Enzoni Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly balanced Enzoni:
- Muddle the Grapes: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the green grapes to release their juice and flavor. Don’t over-muddle; just break them up a bit.
- Add Ingredients: Add the gin, Campari, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for 10-12 seconds, until well-chilled.
- Double Strain: Double strain the mixture into an Old-Fashioned glass filled with ice. Double straining removes small grape pieces, providing a smoother texture.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh grape and/or an orange slice.
Choosing the Right Gin
A London Dry Gin is the classic choice for an Enzoni, offering a strong juniper presence that stands up well against the Campari. Popular and well-regarded brands of London Dry Gin include:
- Tanqueray
- Beefeater
- Bombay Sapphire
- Gordon’s
Selecting the Best Grapes
While the original recipe calls for green grapes, some variations suggest using Concord grapes for a richer, jammy flavor and more intense color. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference and grape availability. Make sure to use good quality grapes.
Essential Bar Tools
To make an Enzoni, you’ll need the following bar tools:
- Cocktail Shaker: For chilling and mixing the ingredients.
- Jigger: For accurate measurement of liquids.
- Muddler: To gently crush the grapes.
- Hawthorne Strainer: To strain the drink while holding back ice.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: For double straining, removing small grape pieces.
- Old Fashioned Glass (Rocks Glass): For serving the finished cocktail.
Variations on the Enzoni
The Enzoni is a versatile cocktail that lends itself to several variations:
- Fall Enzoni: Uses rye whiskey instead of gin and red grapes instead of green, creating a warmer, richer flavor profile.
- Coffee Enzoni: A caffeinated twist that uses black grapes (sable grapes if available) and coffee liqueur.
- Ensoleggiato: This berry riff on the Enzoni uses Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, fresh lime juice, strawberries, and strawberry shrub, garnished with dehydrated strawberry powder.
- Frozoni: A frozen variation that uses frozen grapes, crushed ice, and Prosecco (or other sparkling wine).
Tips for the Perfect Enzoni
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and good-quality grapes make a big difference in the final taste.
- Don’t Over-Muddle: Gentle muddling is key to releasing the grape’s flavor without making the drink too pulpy.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your grapes and your personal preference, you may want to adjust the amount of simple syrup.
- Chill Your Glass: A chilled glass will help keep your cocktail cold for longer.
- Use Good Ice: The quality of your ice can impact the taste and dilution of your drink. Use large, solid ice cubes whenever possible.
Food Pairings
The Enzoni’s balanced flavor profile makes it a great accompaniment to a variety of foods:
- Charcuterie Boards: The cocktail’s slightly bitter and fruity notes pair 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 flavors 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.
The Enzoni: A Modern Classic
The Enzoni has earned its place as a modern classic due to its unique flavor profile and refreshing qualities. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or new to the world of mixed drinks, the Enzoni is a must-try that is sure to impress.
