The Los Potreros Negroni is a beautiful riff on the classic Italian aperitivo, swapping traditional London Dry gin for the earthy, herbal notes of Argentine Mate Gin. Using La Fuerza Red Vermouth crafted with Mendoza grapes and local botanicals adding a distinct Andean character that plays perfectly with the bitterness of Campari.

Preparation Steps

Chill Your Glass: Place a rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass) in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill it with ice while you prepare the drink.
Stir, Don't Shake: In a mixing glass filled with plenty of ice, combine the Mate Gin, La Fuerza Red Vermouth, and Campari.
The Dilution: Stir gently with a long bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds. You want the drink to be ice-cold and slightly diluted to open up the botanicals of the mate.
Strain: Empty the tempering ice from your rocks glass. Place one large, fresh ice cube inside and strain the mixture over it.
Express the Zest: Hold the orange peel over the glass and give it a sharp twist to spray the essential oils across the surface of the drink.
Finish: Swipe the peel along the rim of the glass and drop it in.

Why This Pairing Works

Mate Gin: Unlike pine-heavy gins, Mate Gin brings notes of eucalyptus, peppermint, and grapefruit, which bridge the gap between the bitter Campari and the sweet vermouth.
La Fuerza Rojo: This vermouth is made from Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It has a deeper, spicier profile than Italian sweet vermouths, providing a robust backbone to the cocktail.
Orange Peel: The citrus oils are essential to brighten the deep, tannic notes of the yerba mate and the red wine base