Negroni
Complex and sharp with a bitter finish. I wonder if that describes the Count?
The Negroni is possibly the perfect aperitif cocktail, it is slightly tart from the orange twist and the gin, but gets a cleansing bitterness from the Campari and a rich weight from the vermouth. It was created sometime around 1920 by bartender Fosco Scarselli at Bar Casoni in Florence. It was first made for, and named after, Count Camillo Negroni who frequented Bar Carsoni and drank Americanos. The story goes that he requested a stronger, more potent and less watery Americano. Fosco obliged by adding gin and removing the soda. Served over blocked ice.
