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Where to booze it up for Negroni Week
Some drinks aren’t meant to be messed with. A timeless cocktail menu fixture, the Negroni—made of equal-parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth—is often considered to be one of the world’s most classic cocktails. Believed to have originated in a bar in Florence, Italy, over a century ago, the drink holds up today, seeing a resurgence in 2021 thanks to its simple, sophisticated and ingredient-focused recipe that allows the bold flavors of the spirits to shine through. (NTM the “Negroni Sbagliato with prosecco in it” fame that sparked from House of the Dragon star Emma D’Arcy sharing their fave bev in an interview on TikTok!) In 2013, Imbibe Magazine capitalized on the stir-crazed Negroni to launch Negroni Week, which has raised $3+ million for charitable causes to date. This year—Sept. 18–24—a batch of Triangle bars and restaurants are serving up both classic Negronis and unique spins (OK, fine, sometimes it’s acceptable to play on a classic!). Here’s where to imbibe. Pinkies up!
Bittersweet
Bittersweet is going all out for Negroni Week with a special menu feat. classic Negronis and fun riffs (think an Oreo-infused Negroni and coffee-infused vermouth and bourbon Negroni), along with Negroni-style cocktails made with custom-infused vermouths. For those who are new to the bev, opt for the Starter Negroni which swaps the Campari for Aperol, a less bitter liqueur. And, yes, the bar will also have Negroni Sbagliato with prosecco in it. bittersweetraleigh.com
Corpse Reviver
While known for its Conniption Gin-based cocktails (including a Negroni Blanc with Conniption Navy Strength gin, Cocchi American, L.N. Mattei Cap Corse and a lemon peel), Durham Distillery’s ubercool cocktail bar also offers a Reserve Negroni made with Illegal Mezcal (!). Go for the smoky spin, or, during Negroni Week, try out Corpse Reviver’s Negroni Flight to imbibe on myriad takes on the boozy bev. thecorpsereviver.com
Dram & Draught
Swing by Dram all week long to imbibe in specialty cocktails, with $2 from every drink sold being donated to a local charity. And you’re especially gonna wanna stick around for the bar’s Pay It Forward event with Models for Charity that Friday, Sept. 22, feat. free food, live music, raffles and a DJ to follow. dramanddraught.com
Killjoy
Close out Negroni Week on a high note via Killjoy’s Night in Florence jazz cocktail party Sept. 24 featuring Negroni variations like Crystal Clear (a clarified Negroni), Nassau Negroni (Killjoy’s riff on a Kingston Negroni) and Cafe Casoni (a tequila-coffee spin). Buzzy booze? Yes, please. killjoycocktail.com
Il Falò
Feeling smoky? This recently bowed Italian-inspired resto offers a smoked Negroni touting the addition of smoked gin and a charred orange that’s guaranteed to add a fire to any sip sesh. ilfalo.com
Hightop Burger
An unlikely yet delicious pairing: burgers and Negronis (don’t knock it till you try it!). Swing by Hightop Burger’s pop-up at now-shuttered The Darby Sept. 20–24 for the fun pairing, plus additional drinks and bar snacks. @hightopburger
The Willard Rooftop Lounge
Elevate Negroni Week—literally—via an imbibing sesh on one of Glenwood South’s favorite rooftops. During the weeklong celebration, the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown bar will be offering a Lunchbox Negroni inspired by the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, natch. Cue the nostalgia! thewillardraleigh.com
Peck & Plume
Whether you love the classic Negroni or want to take it up a notch, Peck & Plume has you covered. Choose from three cocktails— a classic Negroni, Sbagliato and a grapefruit Negroni—for a-choose-your-own-adventure experience. … Or, heck try ’em all! peckandplume.com
Clockwork
Travel back in time via North Street’s swanky watering hole by bellying up Friday, Sept. 22, for a lineup of fab festivities in honor of Negroni Week—think live music, raffles, free food and specialty cocktails. Plus, a percentage of proceeds will benefit SafeChild in partnership with Model’s For Charity. @clockwork919
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