Indulge in the rich, warming flavors of Negus, the classic winter drink that's perfect for any occasion. Our recipe features the finest Port Wine Tawny Grant Burge, Red Wine, Brandy, Water, Acetomel Syrup, and a zesty twist of Lemon. Top it off with a sprinkle of Nutmeg for a cozy, sophisticated sip. Stir like a pro with a metal straw or bar spoon, and garnish with a slice of your favorite fruit. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make Negus recipe today!
Negus Ingredients
- 50 ml Port Wine Tawny Grant Burge
- 100 ml Wine Red
- 30 ml Brandy
- 50 ml Water
- 20 ml Acetomel Syrup
- Lemon
- Nutmeg
Negus Equipment
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
- knife - to prepare garnish slice
Negus Recipe
- mix all ingredients together
- fill glass
- top up with Port Wine Tawny Grant Burge
The Negus: A Classic Cocktail with Variations and Common Mistakes to Avoid
As a professional bartender, I’ve seen my fair share of classic cocktails. One that always stands out is the Negus. This warming beverage has been around for centuries and is still popular today. In this article, we’ll explore the history and popularity of the Negus, the role of each ingredient, how to garnish, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Negus cocktail has a fascinating history. It originated in England in the 18th century and was named after Colonel Francis Negus. Colonel Negus was a member of parliament and was known for his love of entertaining. He would often serve a hot drink made of port, sugar, lemon, and water to his guests. This drink became known as the Negus and was soon adopted by other hosts as a popular winter warmer.
Famous For
The Negus is famous for being a warm, comforting drink that is perfect for cold, winter nights. It’s also known for its unique flavor, which is a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy. The addition of nutmeg gives it a distinct aroma that is both warming and inviting.
Geographic
The Negus was originally popular in England but has since spread to other parts of the world. It’s now a popular cocktail in many countries, including the United States.
Appearance
The Negus has a reddish-brown color and is typically served in a glass mug or teacup. It’s often garnished with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Ingredient Roles
The Negus is made up of several ingredients, each playing a specific role in the cocktail. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient:
- Port Wine Tawny Grant Burge: This is the base of the cocktail and provides a rich, fruity flavor.
- Red Wine: This adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Brandy: This adds a warming, boozy flavor to the cocktail.
- Water: This dilutes the cocktail and helps to balance out the sweetness.
- Acetomel Syrup: This adds sweetness to the cocktail and helps to balance out the sourness of the lemon.
- Lemon: This adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the cocktail.
- Nutmeg: This adds a warm, spicy aroma to the cocktail.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Negus is simple, yet essential. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut a slice of lemon and place it on the rim of the glass.
- Grate some fresh nutmeg over the top of the cocktail.
If you want to take your garnishing to the next level, use a metal straw or bar spoon to stir the cocktail properly. This will ensure that all of the flavors are properly combined.
Variations
The Negus is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Negus, simply omit the brandy and use grape juice instead of port wine.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
To make a gluten-free version of the Negus, make sure to use a gluten-free brandy and double-check that the red wine is gluten-free as well.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the Negus, simply use a vegan-friendly brandy and make sure that the red wine is also vegan.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Negus, use a dry red wine and a low-carb sweetener like stevia instead of sugar.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Negus, use a low-calorie sweetener like Splenda instead of sugar and opt for a lighter red wine.
Common Mistakes When Making
Making a Negus isn’t difficult, but there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are some tips to avoid them:
- Don’t overheat the cocktail. The Negus should be warm, not boiling hot.
- Don’t use too much nutmeg. A little goes a long way.
- Don’t skip the garnish. The lemon slice and nutmeg are essential to the flavor and aroma of the cocktail.
- Don’t use a cheap brandy. The quality of the brandy will greatly affect the flavor of the cocktail.
Conclusion
The Negus is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its unique flavor and warming properties make it the perfect winter drink. By following the tips in this article, you can make a perfect Negus every time. Whether you’re looking for a traditional cocktail or a variation to suit your dietary needs, the Negus has something to offer. So next time you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting drink, give the Negus a try.
If you are going to order Negus in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Negus can be served with different ingredients in different places.