The Negroni is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Over the past century, one of the world’s most iconic cocktails has stood the test of time to achieve cult status.

When Drinks International released its annual list of the world’s best-selling classic cocktails in its January issue – asking 127 of the best bars in 38 countries around the world to vote – the Negroni came out at No.2.

The Negroni was invented by Count Camillo Negroni when he asked the bartender at the Caffe Casoni in Florence to replace the soda water in his Americano with gin.

The Americano was Count Negroni’s favourite cocktail, a refreshing blend of Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda. The bartender, Fosco Scarselli swapped out the soda water for gin, and threw in an orange garnish. Just like that, the Negroni was born (allegedly, of course there are a number of origin stories!). And despite being one of the simplest cocktails on the books—made with equal parts Campari, sweet red vermouth and gin – it’s garnered somewhat of a cult reputation and has even enjoyed a recent renaissance over the last few years.

Devotees love its strong, unadulterated taste – there’s no sugar here to mask any of the true flavours. It’s an unabashedly strong and bitter drink, that makes a perfect apéritif  —getting the stomach ready for a decadent dinner later in the evening. Ready to try one for yourself (and impress your friends with all your new Negroni knowledge)?