Blonde Negroni

Andrew Kong’s version of the Blonde Negroni. H Tasting Lounge photo

There are numerous recipes for a white or blonde Negroni, but this is the variation preferred by Andrew Kong, bartender at H Tasting Lounge. What makes it stand out is the perfectly clear king ice cube.

• 1.25 oz Long Table Distillery Dry Gin
• 1 oz Luxardo Bianco Bitters
• 1 oz Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano

Place ingredients in a mixing glass with standard ice cubes and stir until chilled and diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over a king ice cube (see Ice Advice below). Garnish with a lemon swath. Serves 1.

ICE ADVICE: To make a clear king cube at home, start by buying a small cooler that fits inside your freezer. Fill cooler to top with water and place in the freezer for 24 to 30 hours (depending on freezer temperature), until the water is frozen. Remove ice block from cooler; the top 1 to 1.5 inches will be a clear ice sheet. Carve sheet into desired shapes and sizes.

Or visit alcademics.com for more information on the directional-freezing method for getting clear ice at home.

— by Andrew Kong, H Tasting Lounge

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