If a cinematic character like James Bond could popularize a martini in almost all his movies, the silver screen is lit with many classics including the negroni. This sensuous drink finds it way into movie reels as also a certain Italian who pushed it to God-level on Instagram.
Ever since Italian Hollywood star Stanley Tucci posted a ‘how-to’ on his version of the Negroni, on Instagram (this was during the pandemic in 2020), it has garnered 1.2 million hits. This catapulted this popular cocktail to unimaginable heights thus finding its way into the homes of most home bartenders/ hosts. While I personally do not approve of Stanley’s version (he uses two shots of gin instead of equal measure of the holy trinity – Gin, Vermouth and Amaro and I am a purist) throwing the balance off by a yardstick. But then again, it’s the Tucci name which reigns supreme and all accolades to him for making the Negroni a household name.
The Negroni is a star all this week, all thanks to Negroni Week which celebrates its 10th year (12-18th September). You would be surprised to know that this vibrant drink features in more ways than one on the silver screen. Stanley Tucci managed to evoke memories of subtle references in cinematic creations.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane with a selection of movies and Hollywood stars who have embraced this cocktail.
The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone
Released in the 1960’s vivacious Vivian Leigh sips on a negroni with her gigolo lover Paolo. The captivating scene features Vivians character – Mrs. Stone who makes two seductive negronis, propelling desire and sensuality. The scene spells sin as she sips on it, watching Paolo’s grey flannel back and thoughts of the night ahead when the flannel would not stand between them.
For Your Eyes Only
One of the few times Ian Flemings charming and handsome fictional creation skivvies away from his usual order of the infamous ‘shaken, not stirred’ martini in this 1981 movie and settles for a desirable aperitif at the Excelsior Bar in Rome. Set in Rome, Roger Moore, who plays Bond specifies Gordon’s gin when ordering a negroni. As the saying goes “When in Rome…”
Risico
Another movie from the James Bond series, a short story by Ian Fleming. It is the second time Bond replaces his martini with a negroni. Whilst on a mission in Venice, 007 orders a negroni while meeting a contact. Daniel Craig who plays the character of Bond also mentioned celebrating his exit from the series, with a negroni. A fitting tribute to the several times this cocktail features in the series / books.
Entering Red
In 2019, a short story film directed by Matteo Garrone and produced by Campari, the official Amaro base for negroni, features a suspense storyline about the protagonist Ana. When Ana walks into a bar and spots a a ring with the word N100, she embarks on an empowering journey to understanding this clue – following her heart, mind and soul which represent the 3 elements of a negroni.
6 Underground
Featuring Ryan Reynolds, one of the leads in the film by Michael Bay in 2019. He makes a strong reference to bond’s famous order of a martini ‘shaken, not stirred’, which then moves on the character switching to ordering a negroni instead. Ryan Reynolds also forayed into the world of gin, with his gin brand Aviation. He invested in Aviation after recognizing his love for negroni and realizing that the common denominator in this much sought-after drink was ‘gin’.
Red Notice
Ryan Reynolds affiliation with this drink doesn’t end with 6 Underground. The launch of his new movie in 2021, along with Gal Gadot and The Rock Dwayne Johnson, features a riff on the negroni, called The Misdirect. It makes for an interesting subtlety of product placements in this Netflix presented movie.
Looking for Negroni
Federico Micali dedicates an entire documentary to the negroni via his aptly titled Looking for Negroni. It found its way into many film festivals in 2021. This documentary breaks down the cocktail, its nuances and highlights its beauty – thus continuing its legacy by reigning over its screen presence, in reel as well as real life.
Uncharted
Last but not the least, our favorite Spiderman actor – Tom Holland, teases us with his impeccable negroni making skills whilst flirting with his co-star at a bar. It sets a very different perspective for this cocktail, as towards the end of the scene he lands up stealing a diamond tennis bracelet off of her. This cocktail has always managed to evoke interesting connotations, in this case it is dangerous, smooth and mesmeric.