I love Campari, but I’m very particular about what it mixes with. Gin and sweet vermouth work best for me, as does a Campari spritzer, but certain things turn it into a fight. I thought that would be the case of the Tailspin, a variation on the beloved Negroni, utilizing Chartreuse. The idea of Chartreuse battling Campari sounded like a fight made in hell, with all of us losing in the end, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one works in unexpectedly-delightful ways. In some way it makes sense – I love a Last Word, and I love a Negroni, and this one is a bit of a hybrid of those tried and true classics.
The Tailspin
¾ oz. gin
¾ oz. Sweet vermouth
¾ oz. Chartreuse
1 Tbsp. Campari
Lemon twist
That lemon twist proves vital in giving this a distinctive flair, taking away some of the sweetness from the typical Negroni orange peel, and softening the edge a lime twist might have added. Despite the green of the chartreuse, the red of the Campari overrides everything, giving it a vibrant hue perfect for the holidays.
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