HELMUT Wermut makes true originals. In Hamburg, Nils and Markus create three vermouth compositions in red, white, and rosé. High-quality wines from the Palatinate region form the foundation for this elegant interplay of aromas. The manufacturer carefully processes the botanicals by hand. Naturally, the Hamburg duo are true Negroni fans and also enjoy drinking the classic aperitif with HELMUT Wermut in Rosé. On the occasion of Negroni Week 2022, we asked them both about the King of Cocktails.
Nils and Markus, why are you both Negroni fans, and what do you find so convincing about this classic?
As vermouth producers, we naturally have a penchant for bitter notes. These simply give every drink a very special character. It is therefore little surprise that we are absolute Negroni fans. Not just because of the intense aroma, but also because the Negroni is extremely versatile. Depending on which vermouth, gin, or bitter you combine, you get a completely new taste experience every time. Whether as a Sbagliato for an aperitif or classically in the evening at a cocktail bar – a Negroni is always a sure bet.
What is your classic Negroni recipe, and why does the aroma of HELMUT der Rote (the Red) pair particularly well with it?
3cl Mondino Amaro, 3cl classic London Dry Gin (e.g., August), and, of course, 3cl HELMUT der Rote. Since our red vermouth already brings intense fruit, caramel, and bitter notes, you can confidently forgo the Campari used in the classic recipe. Instead, Mondino provides a bit more elegance. A classic gin rounds off the trio. The result: a very fine, extremely well-balanced Negroni with lots of fruit and an elegant bitterness. Cheers!
What is your personal Negroni twist, and why does it provide such a special taste experience?
Our favorite twist at the moment is clearly our Rosé Negroni. Compared to a classic Negroni, it is much softer and slightly less bitter. In addition, the aroma of the vermouth is more at the forefront here. It’s essentially the perfect entry-level Negroni with fresh fruit and floral components. The light bell pepper note of our Rosé makes the drink even more exciting and provides that certain thrill on the palate. Sound good? Here is the recipe: 3cl HELMUT der Rosé, 2cl Aperol, 3cl gin, and 1cl freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
