This version of a classic Italian cocktail offers a little something extra with fresh blackberries and sage.
Moderate intake of alcohol (and, before I go on, read this: Please drink in moderation, and only if medically and legally able to do so. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as "up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.") may increase "good" HDL cholesterol, lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of blood clotting. It has also been linked to a lower incidence of gallstones, reduced risk of some cancers and decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Bitter apéritifs such as Campari used in this recipe are sometimes consumed to stimulate the appetite by promoting production of digestive juices and enzymes, and were historically used to lessen symptoms of gastrointestinal issues. Made from a variety of red and white wine grapes, vermouth may help prevent heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and protecting against artery damage.
Blackberries, meanwhile, provide folic acid, fiber and vitamin C. They also have one of the highest antioxidant contents per serving of any food, including phytonutrients such as anthocyanin, associated with prevention of certain cancers, heart disease and the age-related loss of cognitive function. Cheers!
Wild Blackberry Negroni
Ingredients
- 2 fluid ounces dry gin
- 2 fluid ounces Campari
- 2 fluid ounces sweet or red vermouth
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 6 to 8 fresh blackberries
- 2 orange twists (curled pieces of orange zest)
- 2 sprigs fresh sage leaves
Directions
- Combine gin, Campari and vermouth in a glass and mix with a stir stick or spoon. Divide the mixture between two serving glasses.
- Divide ice cubes, fresh blackberries and orange twists between two glasses.
- Serve decorated with sage leaves. Serves 2.
Cooking Note
- If other fresh fruit and herbs sound better to you, go with your instinct and try those. When plump black cherries are available at farmers markets, they would go well in this drink.
