Surely you’ve encountered the Negroni by now. It’s that moody, amber-hued beverage that turns heads, begging bar-goers to lean forward and ask, “What did they order?” It’s the drink that’s quietly taken over your Instagram feed in favor of frou frou cocktails, prompting you to Google the name. There’s no better time to sate your curiosity—and your thirst—than now. The classic Italian aperitif, made with Campari—an Italian herbal liqueur—gin, and sweet vermouth, has a slightly bitter, citrus-tinged flavor profile that makes it perfect for summer sipping. The equal-parts cocktail also lends itself to endless interpretations, which are celebrated during Negroni Week, taking place now until June 10.
Negroni Week is an international celebration and fundraiser created by Imbibe Magazine and Campari, which invites bars and restaurants to add inventive riffs on the classic tipple to their menus and donate a portion of proceeds to benefit a cause of their choice. Last year, Negroni Week raised more than $500,000 globally.
Here in the Triangle, one dollar from every Negroni sold at participating bars and restaurants will go toward finding a cure for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder which most acutely affects the lungs and breathing. When Raleigh bar Hummingbird decided to participate in Negroni Week and throw the Triangle’s kick off party, owner Coleen Speaks and Hummingbird’s publicist Jennifer Kelly discussed which national charity proceeds should benefit, a requirement for all participating venues. Kelly asked if Speaks would consider making the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation their beneficiary. Speaks and her husband have previously supported Kelly and her family’s fundraising efforts for Kelly’s son, Worth, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis eight years ago, so it was easy for her to say yes. Other bars and restaurants quickly jumped on board to create Negronis of their own to raise funds for the national chapter of CFF through Winning for Worth, Kelly’s CFF fundraising team (she hopes to raise $20,000 this year).
“Hope and gratitude, that’s what I feel. Every single dollar donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, through events like Negroni Week, makes a huge impact, with 100% directly funding CF research, science, and drug development,” says Kelly. “I’m eternally grateful and humbled by all who are coming out to the restaurants and bars supporting CF through Negroni Week, and especially grateful to friends in the food and beverage industry who have taken on this fight for a cure with us.”
Head to Hummingbird for a classic Negroni, made with Durham Distillery American Dry Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Try a barrel-aged mescal Negroni at The Crunkleton (who will donate all $15 of each Negroni sold); and for a dessert-worthy option, taste Mandolin’s La Dolce Vita, made with Campari, dark rum, Cocchi, and mole bitters, served with a bar spoon of Videri Chocolate. Newly added to the line-up is St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar who will serve a bottled classic Negroni and the Negroni de Fresa, crafted with strawberry mescal, Campari, Dolin Blanc, and Cardamaro. For a full list of participating venues, visit Negroni Week: Funding a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis.
