The Negroni Experience review: get on the case, cocktail lovers

It’s not often that a suitcase catches your eye when you’re inside a hotel. Because, let’s be honest, you generally see them everywhere. From the lobby to the rooms, you’re never too far away from a piece of luggage. 

Even in a hotel bar you’re likely to see the odd case or two. Usually next to a weary traveller who’s enjoying a drink on arrival or one for the road, or the skies, so to speak. 

When walking into the swish Amaranto Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, there wasn’t a carry-on or check-in bag to be seen. There was, however, one suitcase that can only be described as the ideal travel companion for a cocktail lover. 

The suitcase at the Four Seasons wasn’t full of rolled-up socks, travel toiletries or flip-flops though. Oh no, this one was packed full of booze – and in particular, bottles of gin. 

Amaranto Bar’s negroni trolley at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Mike Starling

Custom-made creations

We paid a visit to the Four Seasons to try “The Negroni Experience”, one of the popular items on the menu at Amaranto. And on arrival the first thing you see is the bar’s negroni trolley, which has been made from a vintage suitcase. It has all the ingredients needed to make the classic cocktail – and to make a unique experience. 

The negroni trolley was the idea of Ivan Arena, bar manager and mixologist at Amaranto. After wheeling the trolley to our table, he explained the inspiration behind the custom-made creation and set out to mix the first creations of the night. 

The Smoke Signal negroni is a real show-stopper

Mike Starling

What’s on the menu?

A simple yet tasty cocktail, Italian aperitif negroni is traditionally made with three ingredients: one part gin, one part vermouth, one part Campari, and often garnished with an orange peel. 

The menu at Amaranto features a range of negronis created by Arena and his fellow bar staff. The unique touch here is the special house blend of six vermouths which are aged for two weeks in an oak barrel, found on top of the iconic trolley. 

Served in a mini vintage suitcase, “Count Camillo’s Travels” (£33) is a duo of negroni cocktails – “Il Conte” and “The British”. Il Conte is a classic negroni with Campari, a blend of six red vermouths and a choice of gin. The British features Sipsmith London Dry and Sloe gin, which is then stirred with an Aperol blend of six red vermouths and fresh blueberries. 

Article source: https://www.theweek.co.uk/arts-life/food-drink/955738/the-negroni-experience-amaranto-bar-four-seasons-london