The negroni—simple, sophisticated and universally adored. Equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari—the red heart of every negroni—this sleek cocktail is a go-to for even the fussiest drinkers, and so it’s no surprise that this classic deserves its own entire week of celebrations.
To celebrate Negroni Week (September 12-18), venues all over Australia will be concocting their own cheeky twists on the legendary drink, all while raising vital funds for some of the country’s biggest charities.
After two years of lockdowns during Negroni Week, it’s time to get back out for these fabulous seven days with the brand-spanking new Campari Digital Passport. From September 9-30 you can sign up to the app, visit one of the gorgeous 45 participating venues and grab your passport stamp to go into the running for a trip to Italy for two. The more restaurants and bars you visit, the more entries—it’s that easy.
To get you excited, we thought we’d tantalise your tastebuds with some of Melbourne and Sydney’s most glorious participating venues and their sneaky twists on the classic Negroni recipe over the week.
Melbourne
Rooftop at QT Melbourne
There’s nothing we love more than a rooftop party. Head down to the Rooftop at QT Melbourne in the city on September 11 for the official launch from 2pm for an arvo of delicious drinks, complimentary snacks and some cool tunes with your mates to kick off the celebrations with a bang with some serious views.
Bomba Bar Rooftop
Laneway tapas and rooftop drinks at Bomba Bar Rooftop? We’re keen. Across the week, Cara Devine and her brilliant team will be slinging the Bartender’s Handshake Negroni—a tasty mix of Campari, Calvados and Spiced Pear White Port guaranteed to tickle those taste buds.
Carlton Yacht Club
As if the stunning waterfront views weren’t enough, The Carton Yacht Club have created the CYC Negroni which is the perfect plenty of Campari Negroni infused with orange bitters aged for minimum two months to give you a zesty citrus twist in the best possible way.
Fable Bar
This chic cosy watering hole will be pumping out Fable Negronis all week long in celebration of our beloved favourite drink with their Fable Negroni - a concoction of Cocoa husk Campari, cherry infused gin and Cinza Rosso 1757 for a dreamy Italian fruity cocktail you’ll keep going back for more of.
Sydney
Earl’s Juke Joint
On Sunday, September 11 from 5pm 'til late, Earl's Juke Joint is going all out to launching Negroni Week with a bespoke kickass menu boasting four $15 twists on the cocktail all night as well as DJ Levins on the decks, free canapes from Continental Deli & Bistro Newton and pizza from Bella Brutta. The best part? Entry is totally free meaning everyone can come down to support a good cause and collect an extra stamp whilst finishing off their weekend in the best way.
Double Deuce
This 70s-inspired soul cocktail lounge is ready to thrill and delight your senses with not one but two specially-crafted Negroni twists for the week designed by legendary Oliver Churcher. The Enzo is a mix of Campari, Cognac, Sweet Vermouth and a potent dash of Absinthe, whilst the Enzoni has a sweeter, more tart twist featuring Campari, London Dry Gin, crushed red grapes, lemon and sugar. Delish.
Door Knock
This dark sultry underground hidden bar has also put together two new banger twists for the occasion. First, there’s the Panagoni featuring an Asian-inspired coconut pandan flavour and then the Rhude Boi; a zingy combo of Campari, Gin and rhubarb-infused Rosso Vermouth. Head down anytime during the week for some cool groovy vibes and some killer tipples.
Matteo Downtown and Double Bay
Both iconic Matteo locations will be serving up two Amalfi Coast-inspired cocktails over the week, and we cannot decide which one we love more. There’s the Don Camillio Negroni which combines the classic Campari with a chocolatey coffee twist, and then the Arancia Negroni with plenty of smoked orange citrus, hopped tiki bitters and Antica formula. There’s nothing better than a little taste of Italy at home we say.
The Morrison
Everyone's favourite shuckin' Sydney oyster bar, The Morrison, will be joining in on the fun, serving up a solid selection of negronis, well... five to be exact. We'll have trouble choosing between the spicy El Diablo—featuring Don Julio Blanco, Vida Del Maguey Mezcal, Campari, chilli and Ancho Reyes—and the aromatic La Parisienne Negroni, made with Hennessy VSOP Cognac, Pernod, Raspberry Campari, Antica Formula and rosemary. But then again, why not try all five?!
Amping to get started? Sign up at Campari's Digital Passport, fire up the group chat and get your hands on the best Negroni's around. Head here to check out the full list of participating venues.
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.