The Kraftoni Negroni
Alexander Kraft has forever been a noted acolyte of the Order of Negronis, who delights in this most simple yet significant of beverages. So it seemed only natural that Alexander would create his own tribute to a libation that has come to signify class, good taste, and fine living with a dash of Italian sprezzatura. And so it is with much pleasure that we present the ‘Kraftoni’, made in partnership with the quite excellent 44°N gin. Available in strikingly handsome small bottles specifically designed for picnics, road trips and impromptu celebrations.
The origin this famous cocktail is largely thought to have been Florence in 1919 at Caffè Casoni (then called Caffè Giacosa), on Via de’ Tornabuoni. As the story goes, one Pascal Olivier Count de Negroni first concocted it by asking the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to fortitfy an Americano (a blend of bitters and vermouth) with the addition of gin rather than the soda water. Scarselli took the creative liberty of adding an orange slice rather than the usual lemon garnish of the Americano to differentiate the two drinks. To say it went down a treat with the Count is an understatement. He took no time in founding the Negroni Distillerie in Treviso later that year, producing a ready-mixed version called an Antico Negroni (the forefather of the Kraftoni!).
Contrary to most other premixed “Negronis” (we use the term loosely) the Kraftoni is made without compromise and uses real Campari mixed with Carpano Antica Formula one of the most revered sweet Vermouths available. However, what makes the Kraftoni truly unique is the use of 44°N gin. Distilled in Grasse, the historic epicenter of the fine perfume production in the South of France, the combination of botanicals used to create the gin is quite extraordinary: Using scientific aroma extraction methods usually only found in perfume production, 44°N gin produces zingy top notes of lemon zest, grapefruit and mimosa, with an intense floral body of Grasse’s rose centifolia and jasmine. Jammy accents of bitter orange are countered by the herbaceous punch of angelica and samphire, rounded off with hints of warm pepper, before the warm notes of juniper, iris and honey dance with the bitter sweetness of the Campari and Carpano Classico.
The result: A Negroni that might just be one of the most refined to be found… anywhere!
Echoing the excellence of its contents, the Kraftoni comes in a small yet highly elegant bottle that is reminiscent of a vintage apothecary bottle. The label features one of the most memorable - and heartwarming - logos on the market: Alexander Kraft’s beloved late Parson Jack Russell Terrier Bertie (named after PG Wodehouse’s literary character Bertie Wooster, a noted lover of cocktails), wearing a black tie and swigging a glass of Kraftoni.
Each bottle contains approx. 3 servings to be poured over plenty of ice - as a Negroni always should be - which is just the right amount for most connoisseurs. For those who want to prolong the pleasure, the Kraftoni will also be sold in 2-packs, 4-packs and 6-packs soon, making it the perfect travel - and party - companion, not to mention a perfect gift for any lover of spirits and Italian lifestyle.
