T/BAR’s master bartender Jesper Nilsson has gone for his own version of an old-school drink, the Negroni.

Why is this particular cocktail a good call for January?
The Negroni is one of the first drinks we learn to make, a must-know cocktail for bartenders. It is a real classic – simple and elegant. The basic Negroni comprises of gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth and has a sweet and bitter taste. Our updated version is a recent addition and a great drink for the wintertime..

How have you updated the cocktail?
The classic way of making a Negroni is with gin but we decided to do something new and change only one aspect of the drink, to use dark rum instead of gin. It is still a very simple cocktail; it is clean and has that recognisable sweet and bitter taste. However, the change makes a subtle difference to the overall flavour and impression. The rum gives a stronger, smoother bitter taste, as well as a pleasant sweetness. This version is uncomplicated and the sweetly bitter taste lingers in the mouth.  It is a cocktail for anyone who loves bitter drinks and is a great addition to our menu.

How to make it
“Stir together dark rum, Campari and sweet red vermouth and serve in a chilled cocktail glass. Serve it clean or with a small slice of orange peel,” Nilsson says.