Editorial Features
Il Buco’s Negroni: The Perfect Thanksgiving Cocktail
Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail? New York City restaurateur Donna Lennard and Jacqueline Terrebonne, Editor in Chief of Galerie Magazine, recommend none other than the Negroni, Il Buco style. “I’m not a huge fan of Campari so this recipe uses a gorgeous Sicily-made Amaro instead that adds a really beautiful and soft citrus flavor,” says Donna.
Donna and Jacqueline, friends, seasoned hostesses, and lovers of food and wine, joined us for a special edition episode of Cocktails & Conversations yesterday to discuss all things Thanksgiving — menu items, turkey alternatives, table settings, and yes, the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail. Watch the full episode on The New York Design Center Instagram (@NYDC) and catch a glimpse of the conversation — including the recipe for Donna’s Il Buco Negroni — below.
Il Buco Negroni
1oz Gin
1oz Amara Blood Orange Amaro (organic blood orange amaro from Sicily)
1oz Contratto Rosso Vermouth
Mix all ingredients in mixing glass and stir.
Pour over rocks or a big rock.
Garnish with orange half-moon. Or blood orange if you have it.
Q: How do you like to entertain at home?
Donna: I always say, you have to have an atmosphere and incredible ingredients. In my restaurant and at home, I have the same philosophy: put the most beautiful things that you have forward and hope the people coming to you really enjoy them. The table you serve food on, the linens you use, the glassware; it all contributes to the mood. The simpler it is, the more beautiful it is.
Jackie: I’m all about living artfully, which includes rich cuisine and a beautiful table for entertaining so I couldn’t agree more.
Q: What are you cooking for Thanksgiving?
Donna: I am not cooking one thing! My sister is hosting this year so I’m having Roberto Paris, my wine director of 25 years, join us and we’re bringing beautiful bottles of wine and some champagne.
Jackie: For those who don’t want to do turkey for Thanksgiving, the chicken [from the book] is a great choice. It’s really a great choice for any day of the week.
Donna: Cooking pasta for Thanksgiving is also something that is really easy and fun. A lamb ragu would be gorgeous this time of year or the pappardelle with the porcini [from the book] or even pan-roasted gnocchi with tomatoes — there’s your veggie and stuffing all together!
For more tips and tricks just in time for the holiday, pick up a copy of Donna Lennard’s new book, “Il Buco: Stories & Recipes,” celebrating 25 years of Il Buco, one of New York City’s most beloved restaurants. The book features more than 80 mouthwatering recipes and details the restaurant’s romantic philosophy on sourcing the best ingredients, including olive oil, salt, vinegar and all that make the Mediterranean way of life so alluring.
