How to Make the Enzoni Cocktail: A Bold and Balanced Twist on the Classic Negroni

• What Is the Enzoni Cocktail?

The Enzoni cocktail is what happens when the Negroni gets a fresh, fruity twist. Imagine the bitterness of Campari paired with the citrusy brightness of lemon and the natural sweetness of muddled green grapes. It’s bold, balanced, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Created in the early 2000s by bartender Giuseppe Gonzalez at NYC’s legendary bar Milk & Honey, the Enzoni blends the best of two worlds: the structure of a Negroni and the freshness of a sour. The result? A drink that’s smooth, unexpected, and incredibly refreshing.

Unlike most Campari drinks, the Enzoni softens the bitterness with juicy green grapes and lemon juice. It’s the perfect pick for gin lovers who want something unique, or for Negroni fans ready to explore something a little different.

• Ingredients You’ll Need

The Enzoni cocktail has a simple ingredient list, but balance is everything. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 green grapes (seedless) – Muddled for sweetness and body
• 1 oz London dry gin – For that crisp, botanical base
• 1 oz Campari – A bitter, vibrant counterbalance
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice – Adds citrusy brightness
• 1/2 oz simple syrup – Rounds out the tartness
• Ice – For shaking and serving
• Garnish (optional): A lemon twist or a few grapes on a skewer

Bar tools: Cocktail shaker, strainer, muddler, jigger, and a rocks glass

• Enzoni Cocktail Recipe: Step-by-Step

Let’s get mixing! Here’s how to make the classic Enzoni cocktail at home.

1. Muddle the grapes.
   In a shaker, gently press 5 grapes with a muddler. Don’t pulverize, just release the juice.
2. Add liquids.
   Pour in the gin, Campari, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake with ice.
   Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain.
   Double strain (through a fine mesh strainer) into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish.
   Add a lemon twist or a skewer of grapes to finish.

Sip slowly and enjoy the burst of bitter, sweet, and sour flavours in one sip.

• Variations & Personal Twists

Feeling creative? Try one of these spins on the original Enzoni recipe:

1. Mezcal Enzoni

Swap the gin for mezcal for a smoky, earthy depth. Perfect if you love bold flavours.

2. Herbal Enzoni

Add a small sprig of rosemary or thyme while shaking for a herbal layer that pairs beautifully with Campari.

3. Enzoni Spritz

Top the classic mix with soda water or Prosecco for a lighter, bubbly version.

4. Zero-Proof Enzoni

Replace gin and Campari with alcohol-free alternatives like Seed lip Grove and Lyre’s Italian Orange. Still complex, still satisfying.

• Tasty Plated’s Take with Chef Rachael

At Tasty Plated, we love recipes that balance flavour, colour, and simplicity, just like the Enzoni cocktail. It’s a drink that feels gourmet but takes just minutes to mix, which fits perfectly into our philosophy.

Chef Rachael, the creative heart of Tasty Plated, is known for her ability to find harmony in contrast. The Enzoni’s sweet grapes, bitter Campari, and sharp citrus are exactly the kind of balance she’s passionate about. Her food and drink recipes always aim to bring you something fresh, vibrant, and layered, without being fussy.

Chef Rachael often serves the Enzoni alongside Mediterranean bites or herb-crusted chicken, pairing the cocktail’s bittersweet edge with clean, savoury flavours.

Her motto? Keep it fresh, keep it bold, and make it beautiful.

• Flavour Snapshot: At-a-Glance Table

Feature	Description
Flavor Profile	Bitter, fruity, citrusy
Main Spirits	Gin, Campari
Juice Base	Fresh green grapes, lemon juice
Sweetener	Simple syrup
Glass Type	Rocks glass
Ideal Occasions	Aperitivo hour, date night, dinner parties
Difficulty	Easy to moderate
Garnish Ideas	Lemon twist, grape skewer

• Enzoni Serving Suggestions

To really wow your guests (or yourself!), try these serving tips:

• Use clear ice cubes for a sleek presentation.
• Serve in a double old-fashioned glass for a proper sip-and-savor experience.
• Pair with savoury small bites, think marinated olives, cheese boards, or herby crostini.
• Presentation tip: Garnish with a single grape floating on top for a minimalist look.

The Enzoni isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood.

• FAQs About the Enzoni Cocktail

1. Is the Enzoni a strong cocktail?

Moderately strong. The gin and Campari are balanced by citrus and fruit, so it feels lighter than it is.

2. What kind of grapes should I use?

Fresh, seedless green grapes work best. They’re sweet but not overpowering and provide a great texture.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is always best! Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and overly acidic. Squeeze your own for best results.

4. What can I use if I don’t have Campari?

Try Aperol for a less bitter version or another red Italian bitter like Contratto.

5. Can I batch this cocktail?

Yes! Just muddle a larger amount of grapes, mix your liquids, and shake or stir in portions before serving.

6. What food goes well with an Enzoni?

It pairs beautifully with cheese, prosciutto, salty snacks, or anything herbaceous. Try it with a lemon-rosemary chicken or arugula salad.

• Final Stir: Why You Should Try the Enzoni Today

The Enzoni cocktail might not be as famous as a Negroni or Aperol Spritz, but it’s every bit as delicious, and maybe even more intriguing. With the balance of gin, Campari, grapes, and citrus, it’s the kind of drink that surprises you in the best way.

At Tasty Plated, we’re all about drinks that bring out joy, flavour, and creativity. With Chef Rachael’s signature style, even a classic cocktail like the Enzoni gets a playful, gourmet twist.

So next time you’re in the mood for something different, shake up an Enzoni. It’s fruity, bold, and totally unforgettable.

Cheers from all of us at Tasty Plated!