The Negroni's bitter beauty lies in its defiant refusal to please everyone. It's a cocktail that rewards curiosity, and the Bitter Meridian pushes that exploration further into uncharted territory.
Instead of Campari's familiar orange-bitter brightness, this variation leans into Suze's alpine gentian bitterness, all dried wildflowers and mountain roots. Mezcal replaces gin, wrapping everything in wood smoke and agave earthiness. The Cocchi vermouth bridges these bold flavors with warming spice and a touch of sweetness that keeps things from tipping into austerity. The celery bitters add a savory whisper that makes the whole thing feel almost culinary. What you get is darker, more contemplative, like the Negroni went hiking in the mountains and came back changed.
This is a drink for late nights when you want something that makes you slow down and think. Maybe after a long dinner, or when you're ready to close out the evening with something serious. Mix one up and see where bitter can take you.

Cocktail History
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Bitter Meridian
When the Negroni Takes a Smoky Alpine Detour
old-fashioned·mezcal
Bitter Meridian
Strong·rocks
bitterspirit-forwardsmokyherbal
Ingredients
- 1 ozmezcal (Del Maguey Vida or similar)
- 1 ozSuze (French gentian liqueur)
- 1 ozCocchi Vermouth di Torino
- 2 dashescelery bitters
Method
- 1.Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
- 2.Stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled
- 3.Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube
- 4.Express grapefruit peel oils over the drink and garnish
Garnishgrapefruit peel
Note: A Negroni exploration that maintains the classic equal-parts structure while exploring different dimensions of bitterness. Suze brings alpine gentian bitterness (earthy, herbal) versus Campari's orange-bitter profile. Mezcal's smoke replaces gin's botanicals. The result is earthier, more savory, and contemplatively bitter—a true celebration of bitter complexity with layers of smoke, mountain herbs, and spiced vermouth.
#cocktail-history#classics#mezcal#cocktail#recipe#craft-cocktail#winter
Want to create your own cocktails?
Julep uses AI to generate personalized cocktail recipes based on your preferences and ingredients.
Start Creating