A couple of years ago, When the Indy asked local bartenders for their go-to drinks when pouring for themselves, the most frequently named cocktail was the Negroni. No matter which side of the bar you’re usually on, you too can celebrate the popular gin-vermouth-Campari combination during Negroni Week, which runs June 5–11 this year.
Sponsored by Imbibe magazine and Campari, Negroni Week began in 2013 to promote the cocktail and raise money for charities around the world. Since starting with roughly one hundred participating venues, the event has expanded to include more than six thousand venues worldwide and has raised almost $900,000 for various causes. Quite a few Triangle bars and restaurants are part of that six thousand number this year. Foundation, Alley Twenty-Six, Bittersweet, Garland, Revival 1869, and The Verandah are just a few of the local spots involved.
Their participation requires them to donate to a selected charity up front. Your participation just requires you to show up and drink. While you’re doing so, pick up a Negroni Week passport (https://negroniweek.com/wp-content/uploads/NegroniWeek-Passport-2017.pdf) and get it stamped when you get your cocktail. On June 12, Circa 1888 hosts a “hangover party” where three lucky tipplers will receive prizes based on 40 percent, 70 percent, and 90 percent passport participation. In other words, spend a week drinking great cocktails, sign up for the chance to nab some swag, and charities get money. It’s a win-win-win situation.
For a complete list of the bars taking part, visit negroniweek.com/venues and follow along on social media with the #NegroniWeek hashtag.