Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. Over the past few years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me looking for fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the blog below, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also offer tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending.
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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Negroni Sour Cocktail
The Negroni Sour is a modern evolution of one of the most iconic cocktails in the world. It takes the bold bitterness of a classic Negroni and transforms it into something smoother, brighter and more textural.
This version, served at the Ginroom in Berlin by Florian, introduces citrus and egg white to create a balanced and visually refined cocktail. The result is a drink that maintains the Negroni’s signature character while becoming more approachable for a wider audience.
By incorporating Hausberg Gin No.2, this cocktail gains a distinctive botanical profile that enhances both the bitterness and the freshness of the drink.
Before we start mixing, make sure you have your cocktail kit ready to go. A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will make the process smoother and help you create a better balanced drink. If you are still building your home bar, we recommend the Barillio cocktail kit here. Now let’s shake up something great.
Negroni Sour Recipe using Hasberg Gin No2
Ingredients
25 ml Hausberg Gin No.2
25 ml red bitter such as Campari
25 ml red vermouth such as Formula Antica
30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
15 ml sugar syrup
1 egg white or vegan alternative
Method
Select a tumbler and pre chill your glass.
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well to chill and dilute the drink.
Strain the liquid back into the shaker without ice.
Shake again without ice to create a smooth foam texture.
Fine strain into your chilled glass.
Garnish
Express an orange zest over the drink to release the oils.
Place the zest on top or on the rim of the glass as garnish.
Important tips
Using a high quality gin is essential in a cocktail like this. The botanical profile plays a key role in balancing bitterness and citrus.
For this recipe, the cocktail is built around Hausberg Gin No.2, which brings a unique blend of mandarin and sea buckthorn notes that elevate the drink.
If you want to explore this gin further, you can check it out here:
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What Makes a Negroni Sour Different
The classic Negroni is known for its equal parts structure of gin, bitter and vermouth. It is a bold, spirit forward cocktail with a strong bitter profile.
The Negroni Sour changes the experience completely.
By adding lemon juice, the cocktail gains brightness and acidity which cuts through the bitterness. The sugar syrup softens the edges, while the egg white creates a smooth and creamy texture.
This transforms the drink from a strong aperitif into something more balanced and accessible, while still retaining its complexity.
The Role of Hausberg Gin No.2
Using Hausberg Gin No.2 adds a unique layer to this cocktail.
The gin provides the backbone of the drink, carrying botanical notes that interact with both the bitter and the citrus elements. In a cocktail like the Negroni Sour, the gin choice becomes even more important because the added ingredients highlight subtle flavour differences.
A well balanced gin ensures the cocktail does not become overly bitter or overly acidic.
Why Egg White Works in This Cocktail
Egg white is essential in giving the Negroni Sour its signature texture.
When shaken properly, it creates a silky foam that sits on top of the drink. This foam softens the bitterness and enhances the overall mouthfeel.
It also adds visual appeal, giving the cocktail a professional finish that stands out in the glass.
For those who prefer a plant based option, aquafaba is an excellent substitute that delivers similar results.
Tips for Making a Better Negroni Sour
Use fresh lemon juice
Fresh citrus delivers brightness and balance that bottled juice cannot match.
Shake in two stages
First shake with ice to chill the drink, then shake without ice to build foam.
Fine strain the cocktail
This creates a smoother texture and a cleaner presentation.
Chill your glass beforehand
A cold glass keeps the drink at the ideal temperature for longer.
When to Serve a Negroni Sour
The Negroni Sour is a versatile cocktail that works well in multiple settings.
It can be served as a pre dinner drink thanks to its bitterness, or as a more refined cocktail option for evening gatherings.
Because of its balanced flavour profile, it is also a great introduction for people who find traditional Negronis too strong or too bitter.
Final Thoughts
The Negroni Sour is a perfect example of how classic cocktails can evolve while still respecting their origins.
By introducing citrus and texture, this variation softens the boldness of the traditional Negroni without losing its identity.
The addition of Hausberg Gin No.2 brings a unique character to the drink, making it stand out while maintaining balance.
Whether you are an experienced bartender or just starting out, this is a cocktail worth mastering.
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If you are making cocktails at home, having the right tools makes a huge difference.
👉 Check out our top rated cocktail kits for beginners here
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.