It's that time of year again! No, we're not talking about the holidays; it's Negroni Week! Campari & Imbibe Magazine host this week every year to raise thousands of dollars for charities. From September 13th - 19th, bars around the world will serve twists on this classic recipe and contribute donations to charity.

This famous cocktail inspires infinite variations and creative recipes, but where did it come from?

The Negroni has a well-known legend. It goes something like this: Around 1920, Count Camillo Negroni requested a twist on his favorite cocktail, the Americano, at a bar in Florence, Italy. The Count asked bartender Fosco Scarselli for gin in place of the Americano's soda water. The bar patrons also began ordering one of Count Negroni's special drinks, eventually known as a "Negroni."

Well, this certainly is a fun tale. Like most classic cocktail legends, the history is not as cut & dry as it seems; the creation of this drink is likely a combination of stories, facts, and ideas, including the story of the Count. Before the Negroni was the Americano - a combination of sweet vermouth, Campari & soda water, not to be confused with an Americano coffee (espresso & water). The Milano-Torino predates the Americano, comprised of Campari & Vermouth di Torino.

But, the roots of the Negroni go beyond its family tree of vermouth & Campari ancestors. Vermouth becomes a common cocktail ingredient before the creation of the Negroni. One theory in this cocktail's evolution is that Count Negroni may have picked up a taste for stiffer drinks during his time in the United States. He was a cowboy, a banker, a gambler, a traveler, and a cocktail connoisseur.

Or perhaps Italian barkeeps in America were the first to mix this bitter Campari aperitif into American-style cocktails. It would have been an excellent substitute for bitters in the spirit, sweet plus bitter cocktail formula popular at the time.

Today, the Negroni cocktail is a staple in every bartender's repertoire. Celebrate this week by following our step-by-step guide to making a classic Negroni cocktail.

Negroni Cocktail Recipe

In mixing glass, add 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 1 oz Campari.

Add ice & stir for 15 seconds.

Place your julep strainer in the mixing glass & strain over ice in a rocks glass.

Garnish with an orange twist.