Five numinous negronis to imbibe for Negroni Week
From its mysterious origins in Italy to its ties to smooth figures like James Bond, Anthony Bourdain and Emma D’Arcy, the negroni has truly earned its place in the classic cocktail section of the beverage list. And Negroni Week, 22-28 September, gives you a great excuse to try as many different varieties as humanly possible.
Today’s bartenders are both keeping the traditional combination of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth alive, as well as adding a modern twist to mix it up, from fruity and coffee-infused versions to barrel-aged blends.
Here are some of the best places to sip one this Negroni Week - and every week for that matter - whether you prefer yours timeless or with a modern spin.
Strawberry Vanilla Negroni - Wayfarer’s Bar & Café, Pyrmont
Sleek black marble, floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the twinkling city skyline, and a negroni with a dessert-like twist. Wayfarer’s Bar & Café is a hidden gem in the leafy village of Pyrmont, tucked into the lobby of boutique hotel Aiden Darling Harbour, and its negroni is also a jewel worth discovering. Classic negroni ingredients are accentuated with strawberry and vanilla, adding a sweet, aromatic edge. Order one watch the sun drop at golden hour, or finish on one instead of dessert after a show at the nearby Lyric Theatre.
Classic Negroni - Hurricane’s Grill & Bar Cronulla Beach, Cronulla
The beachside setting does half the work here, where the seabreeze lightly caresses while you sip a classic negroni with gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, at the stunning white-clad feature bar in this restaurant setting reminiscent of a hideaway in Greece. While pretending you’ve escaped to the Mediterranean, double down with oysters, and hiramasa kingfish sashimi from the raw bar.
Coffee Negroni and Mini Negroni - Folly’s Bar & Bistro, Cammeray
The Coffee Negroni at neighbourhood bar and bistro, Folly’s is what you can picture Orson Welles nursing at the warmly-lit, marble-topped bar, working on his next manuscript. With its brooding mix of Archie Rose Bone Dry Gin, Campari, Oscar 697 Rosso Vermouth, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur and cold-brewed espresso, it provides a dark, roasty alternative to the classic, and is perfect for a nightcap after dinner. Alternatively, if you’re after something smaller, you can opt for the Mini Negroni, made with Archie Rose Straight Dry Gin, Campari and Oscar 697 Rosso Vermouth. Smaller cocktails mean you can enjoy a second one without any guilt.
Classic Negroni - St Leonards Tavern, St Leonards
While its beer that’s been poured at the site of “The Tav” for more than 125 years straight, the newly-renovated local pub serves up solid classic cocktails in the same warm and friendly fashion. The negroni on offer here is a no-messing-about, perfectly poured traditional version of the classic, best enjoyed tucked up in an army-green leather booth under dimly-lit industrial pendant lights, while eyeing off the pub’s new menu of classic pub fare.
Build Your Own Negroni - La Madonna Restaurant & Bar, Melbourne
A classy place for a classy cocktail, La Madonna has relaunched under new Executive Chef Jacopo Degli Esposti, who blends his Italian heritage with French Michelin-starred training in a fresh culinary concept that celebrates seasonal local produce. This cross-cultural style extends to the drinks list, with the restaurant’s exclusive Barrel Room inspiring a “build your own negroni” menu featuring premium gins, vermouth and bitters from Victoria, France and Italy. The ideal pre-dinner beverage, it sets the tone in a dining room of moody lighting, curved banquettes and a striking gold chain chandelier. The La Madonna Bar also stands on its own, with a highlight being the barrel-aged negroni, made with Gin du Australian Dry Gin, Bruto Americano and Mancino Rosso, matured for eight weeks in new charred oak barrels.
