It’s the most wonderful time of the year—when the world’s favourite Italian tipple scores a dedicated week-long party and we get the chance to drink up and give back. Yep, the holy trinity of gin, vermouth and its beating red heart Campari, are coming together at bars and restaurants all over the world for Negroni Week from September 18 to 24.
Launched back in 2013, this initiative kicks up a well-deserved fuss for the iconically bitter, silky red nectar while raising money for the Slow Food Fund. Venues from all over Australia are jumping on board, putting their spin on the classic tipple and rounding up funds to be split across local community projects. To ensure you don’t miss even a second of bartender Christmas, this is your go-to roundup of venues to hit during Negroni Week.
Sydney
Rockpool
In a huge effort to bring the Amalfi vibes down under, Mayfair-based bartender Giusy Castaldo is on loan for the week from London cocktail institution Kwānt. She's heading to Rockpool from 6-9pm on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 September for an exclusive two-night residency. Sample Kwānt’s decadent Campari-based mixes, like the Sunflower negroni with Campari, Bulldog Gin, Cinzano 1757 and Jerusalem artichoke.
Dolphin Hotel
Negroni Week veterans Dolphin Hotel are keeping the party going all month long, pairing up with Campari for an aperitivo takeover at their pub in Surry Hills. The Bar Red pop-up has curated a bespoke "Newgroni" menu, mixing up four reinterpretations of the classic cocktail—like the Raspberry Beret with Campari, Tanqueray Gin, Raspberry Eau De Vie, Byrrh and freeze dried raspberry. Get down nightly from 4-6pm for Northern-Italian bar snacks, $12 signature Negronis and plenty of good times—from Wednesday 20 September to Sunday 22 October.
Le Foote
Transport yourself straight to the Italian Riviera with a trip to The Rocks, where you can get your hands on Le Foote’s tantalising Negroni Week offering. The European wine bar is serving up its take on 2023’s most in-demand tipple—Le Sbagliato, with Campari, Cinzano 1757, rhubarb wine and grapefruit cordial. Or what we’re calling Euro-summer in a glass.
Door Knock
Speakeasy heavyweights Door Knock are showing us how Negroni Week is done from the depths of their moodily lit cocktail bar. Head along to try the Alexander Pacitto Negroni—a sweet tooth’s dream with salted banana-infused gin, coffee, Campari and sweet vermouth.
Melbourne
Society
Kwānt’s Giusy Castaldo is also jumping behind the bar at Society for one night only. On Sunday 24 September, she’ll be showcasing Kwānt’s Campari-based signatures from 5-8pm. Kick back in one of the CBD’s slickest cocktail bars with a High Five—a dreamy blend of Campari, Ancho Reyes, watermelon, and Ethiopian berry tincture, and watch the master at work.
Fancy Hanks
The kings of American BBQ over at Fancy Hanks have lined up a Negroni-filled feast on Wednesday 20 September, serving up a one-off, three-course menu in Melbourne’s CBD. Expect dishes like smoked duck breast with Juniper and blood orange marmalade, plenty of paired Negroni tastings, and a guest appearance from the Campari team. They’ll answer all of your burning questions about the beating red heart of the Negroni, while you dig into some killer dishes. Tickets start from $75.
Dom's Social Club
What better way to close out a week of Negroni festivities than by getting loose on Dom’s Social Club’s rooftop? Part dive bar, part pizzeria, they’ve paired up with the legends at Four Pillars and Campari to throw a massive Negroni-themed party on Sunday 24 September. Expect a bespoke Negroni menu, DJs, live entertainment, and beaut views of Melbourne’s city skyline.
Perth
Ezra Pound
This prohibition-style cocktail bar over in Northbridge Northbridge has curated an entire Negroni-inspired menu in a nod to the Campari-laced cocktail. Packed with experimental flavours like pepperoni and salted cherry, the menu is best explored from top to bottom. Settle in at the cosy bar and get sipping.
Brisbane
Alba Bar & Deli
Brisbane CBD's buzziest neighbourhood bar is taking decadence to a new level with its inspired take on the Milanese classic. Skip dessert and go straight for the cocktail list, where you’ll find a boozy Black Truffle and White Chocolate Negroni. Good luck stopping after just one.
Check out the full list of participating venues here, or make the most of the festivities from home by whipping up your own Campari Negroni.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Campari and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image Credit: Urban List