This post is part of a partnership with The Elan Collective. All opinions are my own. Learn more about The Elan Collective and their beautiful kitchen and bar products here.
It’s June, it’s finally warm outside, and it’s finally Negroni Week! I’m super excited to share my new favorite rocks glasses, some fun variations on the classic red cocktail, and not one, but four Instagram giveaways!
I recently discovered The Elan Collective, out of Newton, MA, and their beautiful line of rocks glasses. If you know me at all, you know I’m pretty much always hunting for new glassware, and rocks glasses are one category that I find it harder to come by unique and interesting designs. I love unusual pieces, and I also really appreciate quality craftsmanship and design. There’s nothing better than a solid, heavy rocks glass that just feels good in your hand. I also really like to support small businesses, especially local ones. All of these elements combine in the rocks glasses created by The Elan Collective, a company started by two friends, Matt and Oliver, with a goal of elevating mundane kitchen and bar tools to stylish, multisensory pieces that make mixing a cocktail or brewing a cup of coffee a truly enjoyable experience.
The Elan Collective philosophy is all about making creating cocktails at home more approachable, fun, and exciting, and also encouraging people to experiment with different ingredients. This is totally up my alley, as I am always trying something new – for better or worse! It’s so important when creating cocktails to try new ingredients, and to try different brands of the same spirit. One small adjustment can make all the difference in the finished product.
In this spirit (pun intended), I’m sharing a series of Negroni variations, two classic recipes (with slight tweaks), and two Elan Collective signature recipes. I selected each glass based on the recipe, and although at times garnishes are the star of the show in my photos, I went with simple, traditional garnishes to allow the beauty of these glasses to shine. I’m excited to share that during the entire month of June, my readers can receive 20% off The Elan Collective glasses on Amazon using code: 20MOODYMIX. Use this link to have the code automatically applied at checkout. This code is not restricted to one use per customer.
Also, in the spirit of Negroni week and giving back, each day this week we will be giving away a different glass from The Elan Collective line on Instagram! Head on over to @moodymixologist Tuesday – Friday this week to enter.
THE STANLEY
The Stanley is a very cool, modern, diamond-cut design that looks beautiful and also makes it easier to hold onto your glass. Each facet catches and reflects the light like a jewel, making your Negroni look that much more enticing. I’ve mixed up a classic Negroni with a slight twist – a rose water infused ice cube. When making a batch of clear ice in my mini cooler recently, I had the idea to add a couple ounces of rose water as I was filling. The result is a subtle, floral experience that slowly melts into the cocktail, adding a touch of spring to your Negroni.
Rose-Scented Negroni
- 1 oz gin (I used Greenhook Greensmiths American Dry Gin)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (I used Noilly Prat)
Stir and strain over a rose scented ice cube. Garnish with a garden rose bud.
THE FRANKLIN
The Franklin is a perfect, handmade, traditional rocks glass, smooth and refined. I love a classic glass and this one is just the right size, not too big or too small. It sits comfortably in your hand and is perfect for mixing a cocktail directly in the glass. To showcase the clear beauty of the Franklin, I chose an Elan Collective signature Clear Negroni, featuring Luxardo Bitter Bianco.
Clear Negroni
- 1 oz St George Botanivore Gin
- 1 oz Luxardo Bitter Bianco
- 1 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
Stir and strain. Garnish with a lemon twist.
THE CHARLES
The Charles has an elegant twist to its design, allowing your drink to swirl around the glass. This glass is heavy, beautifully made, and large enough to accommodate a large chunk of clear ice. I chose a Boulevardier with a hint of cocoa for Charles, with an orange twist modeled after the twist of the glass.
Cocoa Boulevardier
- 1 oz rye whiskey (I used Bulleit)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (I used Punt e Mes)
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
Stir and strain. Garnish with an orange twist.
THE JACKSON
The Jackson is a sophisticated glass with a modern, fluid design. The sharp lines bounce the light and illuminate the bottom of the glass, taking an ordinary cocktail to the next level. I chose the Elan Collective’s signature White Rum Negroni to showcase the beauty of this glass.
White Rum Negroni
- 1 oz Brugal Especial Extra Dry Rum
- 1 oz Suze
- 1 oz Cocchi Americano
Stir and strain. Garnish with an orange slice.
You can learn more about The Elan Collective here or shop their glasses on Amazon.