For Negroni Week 2017 I was inspired to make a Negroni Trifle by The Gin Queen @theginqueenau. Here is my version of the Negroni Trifle:
Layer one is to soak lady fingers in the classic Negroni, one part Campari, one Vermouth, and Gin. I infused Campari with cinnamon sticks for five days and used that in the lady finger layer instead of the plain Campari.Put one ounce of the Negroni cocktail in the cup that the lady fingers are layered in. I had tiny serving cups so it was one ounce of Negroni for four lady fingers. I added chopped strawberries on top of the lady fingers for a nice flavor bonus. You could use a variety of fruits to accomplish that.
Layer two is to soak 4 packets of pectin in one cup of Sanpellegrino (I used blood orange)for about 5 minutes, then add it to the pot with the simmering 3 cups of Sanpel. Mix with a whisk constantly until the pectin is dissolved. Take off the heat and add 2 ounces of your Negroni cocktail you used to soak the lady fingers in and stir to combine. Once cooled add 1/3 cup to each cup and pour over the lady fingers and strawberries. Place in the refrigerator and let it set. Once the layer turns to jello you can add the third layer on top. **** Side note*** I tried this layer using Pok Pok Som Grapefruit Shrub soda and it was just as mind blowing as the Sanpellegrino. I didn’t use it for the event because it didn’t produce the amount of sweetness needed for this layer. I don’t like things super sweet so the Shrub soda was my favorite choice.
Layer three is to make the custard (this is my favorite part). Add three cups of milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 cup dry sherry, 1/4 cup Grand Marnier to a pot and bring to just about a simmer, do not boil. Combine half of this hot mixture slowly to a mixing bowl that has 3 egg yolks lightly beaten and whisk until frothy and combined. Transfer it to the half still sitting in the pot on the stove and whisk until it turns into a thick creamy consistency, this does not take long at all. Take off the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl and set it in the fridge until cooled, about 3-4 hours. Once cooled add it on top of the jelly layer leaving enough room for the last layer.
Layer four is the final layer! The whip cream layer! Add two cups of heavy whipping cream, two ounces Gin, and two tablespoons sugar to a mixing bowl and start whisking until peaks form. Add it to the top of the custard layer and garnish with some sliced strawberries!
Every single layer is a boozy treat and I love it!! I hope you all can try this out! This made 15 individual servings.
