Join the festivities as Negroni Week 2024 kicks off from September 16 to 22, celebrating one of the world’s most beloved cocktails.

Negroni Week has honoured this iconic cocktail since 2013, starting as a small-scale charity event. It has now grown into a global extravaganza, raising millions for a good cause. This year, Irish bars and restaurants are joining thousands of participants worldwide. Venues such as Nolita Dublin and Rattlebag Belfast will put the spotlight on the Negroni, showcasing their skills as they mix the perfect blend of Campari, gin and sweet vermouth to craft this timeless cocktail that has been tickling tastebuds for over 100 years.

What is a Negroni?

The story of the Negroni takes us back to Florence in 1919, where it all began at Café Casoni. Legend has it that Count Camilo Negroni asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to give his favorite Americano cocktail a little extra kick—so Scarselli swapped the soda water for a splash of gin. To top it off, he added a bold twist with an orange slice garnish instead of the usual lemon. And just like that, the iconic Negroni was born.

A Negroni is made with Campari, gin and sweet vermouth garnished with an orange slice. Its strong, distinctive flavour is a masterful balance of bitter and sweet notes, offering a rich, syrupy indulgence that’s immensely satisfying. It’s a comfort that feels like sinking into the enveloping embrace of a vintage leather sofa, with a Bix Beiderbecke or Cab Calloway record playing softly in the background.

Sipping a Negroni feels like stepping back into a bygone era of timeless sophistication. It’s romantic, sexy, and clean. This is one of those classic cocktails that evokes the glamour and decadence of the early 20th century, almost resonating with the sounds of the Jazz Age. As you savour one of these, you can’t help but live your Great Gatsby fantasy. Despite being the product of a time when men wore three piece suits to breakfast and women were only allowed out of the house in pearls, the Negroni maintains a timeless, rebellious spirit.

Negroni Week

Negroni Week is more than just about promoting a drink; it’s a global movement. Imbibe and Campari are partnering with Slow Food, an organisation dedicated to sustainability, fairness, and ensuring that everyone has access to good, clean, and fair food.

During Negroni Week, mixologists around the world will be pouring their hearts, souls, and bitters into their glasses, inviting us all to raise a toast—not just to a quintessential cocktail but to the spirit of giving.

Mark your calendars because on Monday, September 16th Rattlebag Belfast are hosting an exclusive evening with none other than Joe Schofield—ranked among the world’s Top 50 Bartenders and owner of Schofields Bar Manchester. Joe will guide you through a masterclass on the art of refined and classic cocktail presentation. Best of all? Every penny raised from tickets will support Slow Food. Get your tickets HERE.

The Negroni celebration continues on Tuesday, September 17th at Nolita Dublin, where three years of Campari Red Hands finalists will come together for a spectacular Negroni Night. Sip on their signature takes of this timeless cocktail, indulge in aperitivo nibbles, and soak up the vibrant tunes from The Riff Shop. This is a night not to miss. Grab your tickets HERE.

Get Involved

Craving a Negroni now? All you need to do is head over to one of Ireland’s participating bars this Negroni Week 2024. Visit venues such as 1661, Nolita and The Little Pig in Dublin, Rattlebag and The Merchant in Belfast, Adare Manor and 1314 at Jerry Flannerys in Limerick, Cask, Paladar and The Shelbourne in Cork from September 16 to 22 and simply ask for a Negroni. You can stick with the classic or try one of the endless variations, like coffee, hazelnut, or even Buckfast inspired versions. Just remember there is no Negroni without Campari.

So raise your glass, take a sip, and enjoy!

Elsewhere on CHAR: What Even Is a Negroni Spagliato?

Please enjoy Campari responsibly.

Visit drinkaware.ie for more info