Learn how to make Chef Shanna O’Hea’s “Go-To” Cocktail
While The Kennebunk Inn’s chef/owner Shanna O’Hea loves a good glass of wine or a flute of Champagne, some situations call for stronger stuff. Shanna searched the world over to find her reliable cocktail of choice. After much deliberation, she chose the Negroni. While the traditional concoction is equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, Shanna’s instincts as a chef told her that there was a way to improve the flavors, and increase her enjoyment of the cocktail.
Working with her husband, chef, and co-owner of Academe and The Kennebunk Inn, Shanna worked tirelessly to perfect her Negroni recipe. Countless hours of dedicated research went into the recipe you see before you. “Shanna’s Life-Saving Negroni” has been featured on the signature cocktail menu at the Kennebunk Inn’s bar for several seasons, and is a hit with discerning, sophisticated craft cocktail aficionados. June 1-7 mark 2015’s Negroni Week celebration. The O’Heas and The Kennebunk Inn will be offering their signature Negroni with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Share Our Strength, No Kid Hungry – a local Maine charitable organization. We hope that you will come in to Academe at The Kennebunk Inn and sample a Negroni. It’s for a good cause. Learn more about The Kennebunk Inn’s 2015 Negroni Week celebration here.
You may be wondering why we call our version of the Negroni. “Shanna’s Life-Saving Negroni.” Will it truly save your life? Is it a magical elixir? Truth be told, it generally improves your mood, and brightens your day – which is pretty magical – but the real reason for the name is the Life Saver shaped, caramelized orange slide ice cube that floats in the middle of the Negroni. Come to think of it, it’s pretty magical as far as ice cubes go.
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Campari
- 2 oz Plymouth Gin
- 2 oz Antica Formula Vermouth
- Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker or pint glass over ice.
- Stir until well-chilled. Negronis are never shaken.
- Strain and serve over caramelized orange slice large "Life Saver" Ice cube
- Shanna’s Life-Saving Negroni – So Close You Can Taste It!
- Shanna’s Life Saving Negroni Ingredients: Plymouth Gin, Campari, Aperol, and Antica Formula Vermouth
- The Kennebunk Inn’s Signature Negroni – an aerial view
- Our Caramelized Orange Slice Life Saver Ice Cube adds a touch of magic
- Celebrate 2017 Negroni Week at Maine’s Historic Kennebunk Inn