The Pizza Negroni: A Game-Changing Cocktail Born from Experimentation

The world of bartending is all about experimentation and creativity. Sometimes, it's the craziest ideas that lead to the most innovative drinks. Take, for example, the Pepperoni Pizza Negroni, a unique cocktail that's taking Boston by storm. In this article, we'll dive into the story behind this game-changing drink and what it means for bartenders.

The Birth of a New Classic

The Pepperoni Pizza Negroni was born at FiDO Pizza, a Boston pizzeria that's part of the Traveler Street Hospitality group. Ryan Lotz, partner and beverage director, wanted to create a drink that would pair perfectly with the restaurant's namesake cuisine. After trying various techniques and infusions, Lotz realized that the key to capturing the flavor of a pepperoni pizza lay in the char of the crust. He experimented with soaking a whole pepperoni pizza in gin, which led to a breakthrough.

The Recipe

So, how does one make a Pepperoni Pizza Negroni? The process begins with infusing three 750-milliliter bottles of Beefeater gin with a whole pepperoni pizza for 24 hours. The mixture is then frozen for fat washing, which removes excess oils and results in a smoother flavor. The gin is then combined with Industrious Spirits Co. Pizza Strip Vodka, St. George Spirits Basil Eau de Vie, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The drink is served on draft, charged with nitrous oxide, which gives it a weightier mouthfeel.

What This Means for Bartenders

The Pepperoni Pizza Negroni is a testament to the power of experimentation and creativity in bartending. Here are a few takeaways for bartenders:

• Don't be afraid to think outside the box: Lotz's idea of soaking a pepperoni pizza in gin may have seemed crazy at first, but it led to a unique and delicious drink.
• Experiment with different techniques: Fat washing, infusions, and other techniques can help you create complex and interesting flavors.
• Pay attention to flavor profiles: The combination of gin, vodka, and basil eau de vie in the Pepperoni Pizza Negroni is a great example of how different flavors can work together to create something new and exciting.

A Career in Bartending

If you're inspired by the story of the Pepperoni Pizza Negroni and want to pursue a career in bartending, [[check out our bartending programs|/programs]]. Our courses cover everything from the basics of mixology to advanced techniques and flavor profiles. With a career in bartending, you'll have the opportunity to experiment with new ingredients and techniques, just like Ryan Lotz did.

Conclusion

The Pepperoni Pizza Negroni is a game-changing cocktail that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in bartending. By experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, bartenders can create unique and delicious drinks that will set their bars apart. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or just starting out, the story of the Pepperoni Pizza Negroni is a reminder that creativity and experimentation are key to success in the world of bartending.

Ready to shake up your career? [[Find a bartending program near you|/locations]] and start experimenting with new flavors and techniques today!