Tangy Negroni Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic Negroni cocktail, you’ll love these tangy Negroni bars. These bars capture the essence of the cocktail with a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of tangy citrus filling, and a boozy gin glaze. They’re the perfect treat for summer gatherings, cocktail parties, or anytime you want to indulge in a unique and delicious dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for entertaining.

Ingredients for Tangy Negroni Bars:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons gin
• 1 tablespoon Campari
• 1 tablespoon sweet vermouth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the gin glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons gin

How to Make Tangy Negroni Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan in an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, whisking until smooth.
6. Pour the filling over the warm crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
8. To make the gin glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and gin until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
9. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

About the Main Ingredients:

• Gin: Gin is a distilled spirit made from juniper berries and other botanicals. It adds a unique flavor to these bars, reminiscent of the classic Negroni cocktail.
• Campari: Campari is a bitter Italian liqueur made from herbs and fruit. It adds a distinct bitterness to the bars, balancing the sweetness of the filling.
• Sweet Vermouth: Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with various botanicals. It adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the filling.
• Citrus Juice: Fresh lemon and orange juice add a bright, tangy flavor to the filling, complementing the gin and Campari.

These tangy Negroni bars are a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. With their buttery crust, tangy citrus filling, and boozy glaze, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.