In need of inspiration for your post-work libation? Give the Negroni a try. This Italian cocktail is usually enjoyed as an aperitif, so it’s a perfect pick at happy hour.

Tony Abou-Ganim, author of "The Modern Mixologist", says the Negroni is his go-to drink. "The Negroni is the perfect marrige of Campari, gin and sweet vermouth -- perfection in a glass!"

Tony will be stirring up definitive renditions of the true, original Negroni -- equal parts Campari, Gin and sweet vermouth -- at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala this Friday at the New York Public Library. The Gala is the kick-off event of The Manhattan Cocktail Classic, a five-day celebration of everything cocktail-related through various talks and events throughout the city.

For those of us unable to attend the event, Tony shared his classic recipe, plus three twists on the classic Negroni.

• Add ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain into a rocks glass with new ice. Garnish with an orange rind.

• Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass, then add ice. Stir and strain into a rocks glass filled with one large cube

Garnish: Blood Orange wheels, Grapefruit slices and raspberries.

(Marco Polo Aromatic Tincture: Pippali Pepper, Mace, Coriander, Cardamom)

Garnish: Marco Polo Essence on an Orange Slice (Marco Polo Essence: Black Pepper, Cardamom, Curry Leaf, Bitter Orange)

• Build in rocks glass.