Celebrity chef and three-Michelin-starred restaurant owner Heston Blumenthal has launched the Lazy Mandarin Negroni, adding to his Waitrose range.
Released in time for Christmas, the Italian cocktail-inspired beverage contains an infusion of mandarin extracts, which, according to Blumenthal, creates a refreshingly fruity aftertaste and an ideal balance of sweetness and bitterness. For negroni lovers, this is likely to be welcome news, and alongside engraved drinkware, it would make for a very special gift.
The drink is now available both in store and online at a cost of £20/50cl. Already included in the Heston from Waitrose range is both a Lazy Espresso Martini and Lazy Sunshine Gin. According to The Drinks Business, Blumenthal commented that the negroni makes an excellent palette cleanser, and he would recommend serving it with mandarin peel and fresh thyme to really bring out the flavour.
The drink lives up to its name of “Lazy”, as it can be served simply poured over ice. For anyone feeling a little more adventurous or wanting to impress as a host, it can be combined with prosecco and made into a Negroni Sbagliato. Either option would make for a delicious addition to any celebration cocktail menu this coming Christmas.
A Waitrose spokesperson stated that searches for negroni on the supermarket’s website increased by a third over the past year, showing that customers are keen to serve this drink up at home. The company believes the exciting new cocktail will be enjoyed by many in the run up to the festive season.