Drink of the Week: The New York Cocktail Co. Chocolate Negroni

You’ll have to forgive us if, during this time of year, all of us here at Imbibe have Negronis on the brain. (Not that we don’t always have Negronis on the brain—and Martinis, and spicy Margaritas, and Mai Tais! But I digress…) We can’t stop thinking and drinking all-things Negroni because next week is our annual global fundraiser Negroni Week! Since launching in 2013 with a little over 100 participating venues, the event has grown exponentially. It now includes more than 10,000 global participants and has raised more than $5 million for charitable organizations. Who knew ya’ll loved Negronis this much?

What I personally love about the Negroni is its nearly endless riff-ability. Not only does the classic cocktail have a whole family tree of established favorites, from the Boulevardier to the Sbagliato, but the creativity among bartenders crafting wholly original interpretations is staggering (and delicious). But one of my faves has always been the Chocolate Negroni created by Naren Young for New York’s Caffe Dante. The modern classic perfectly accentuates the complex bittersweet notes of Campari and sweet vermouth with an undercurrent of rich chocolate from creme de cacao.

For those outside of New York City, the newly launched New York Cocktail Company will bring their bottled cocktails inspired by the city’s legendary bars and bartenders to you. Their first quartet of ready-to-drink cocktails features the Negroni four ways: a classic, a rum-based Espresso Negroni, a mezcal Negroni, and the Chocolate Negroni. With recipes created in collaboration with Dante beverage director Renato Tonelli, the bottled Negronis make for a perfect pour in a snap. Just add ice and garnish. Ready for round two? Head to negroniweek.com to see who is mixing drinks near you! $26.99, newyorkcocktailcompany.com