Celebrate King's Day With a Royal Dutch Negroni

Margaret Pattillo Photography

It's one of the biggest street parties in the Netherlands. On April 27, King's Day (Koningsdag) is the festival for the Dutch monarch, King Willem-Alexander. It is considered the most festive day in the Netherlands. with nearly the entire country getting the day off work to party. It is the time for orange madness or "oranjegekte,' as the Dutch call it. In Amsterdam, one million people take to the streets and canals to color the town orange! The rest of the Netherlands also turns a bright shade of orange in various forms to celebrate their royal family.

So with that in mind, it's time for a fitting orange drink, made with Rutte Celery Gin and Oranjebitters to celebrate wherever you are!

If you happen to be in New York City for King's Day, Rutte (Netherlands Distillery of the Year, 2018 Berlin International Spirits Competition) is available at The Handy Liquor Bar, Soho Cigar Bar, David Burke Kitchen, and Prohibition.

Royal Dutch Negroni

• 1 oz Rutte Celery Gin

• 1 oz Rutte Oranjebitters (or Aperol)

• 1 oz White Sweet Vermouth (such as Martini & Rossi Bianco)

• 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

• Champagne or sparkling wine

Stir all ingredients except wine with ice in a mixing glass until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a stick of celery or orange twist. Optional: Use Rutte Old Simon Genever,