Campari and Imbibe are back with the annual Negroni Week, happening from 12 – 18 September this year! Apart from paying homage to the world’s No. 1 best-selling cocktail, this yearly event is also a charity initiative, with each participating bar giving a portion of its proceeds back to chosen charities. If you ever need a reason to drink, this is for a good cause, so why not? 😉
Negroni Handshakes
This year, 10 participating bars were challenged to create a Bartender Handshake; think of it as a way to greet friends, colleagues and regulars by serving small cocktails or shots on the house. The Handshake Negroni, in this case, represents each bar’s hospitality and is a toast to not just the Negroni but the return to normalcy post-pandemic.
We were invited to taste four of the uniquely-created Negroni Handshakes, and here’s what we thought!
The Bar at 15 Stamford: The One That Got Away (S$24++)
Created by bartender Timothy Aw, this rendition of the classic plays to the bittersweet Campari and is a love story of… Well, the one that got away.
It features Chrysanthemum-infused Bianco vermouth and gin to represent the initial flowery romance; balanced by the bitterness of Campari and bitters. We recommend this to start the night or for imbibers not too familiar with a Negroni. While this rendition is more approachable, it still retains the recognisable characteristics of this classic.
Smoke & Mirrors: Negroni Express ($28++)
Created by Assistant Bar Manager Mel John Chavez, the Negroni Express draws inspiration from his hometown in Bicol, Philippines, and his favourite dish, the Bicol Express.
He uses Ancho Reyes Verde stirred into gin, vermouth and Campari for a fiery kick, and walnut bitters and rice syrup to embody the nuttiness of the dish that comes with a side of rice. Topped with a pickle and olive, the Negroni Express is a spicy-briny take on the classic.
O/T Bar: Mead by Men ($18++)
Bartender Max Wong came up with this lighter, more approachable version that drinkers of all levels can enjoy. Made with applejack, vermouth and Campari, then topped with sparkling mead. Expect a fruity, honeyed sweetness with a distinct dry-bitterness.
Southbridge: Rosmarino Negroni ($24++) |
Senior Bar Supervisor, Alfred Roxas created this botanical-forward rendition of the Negroni. Using smoked rosemary-infused gin with hibiscus-infused Campari and Rosso vermouth; this bright red tipple carries a woodsy, aromatic profile with a tinge of tartness that complements herbal bitterness.
Negroni Week Celebrations in 60 Venues
60 bars across the island are also partaking in the festivities, with Negroni-week exclusives, existing house renditions, and of course, the classic. Other participating bars include Sago House, Mo Bar, Neon Pigeon, Live Twice and more.
Check out the full list here: https://www.negroniweek.com/find/
Negroni Week Events
In collaboration with Opus Bar & Grill, Campari Group Asia will be setting up a Campari Table Photo Booth with décor elements for an Instagram-worthy shot.
From 5 – 24 September, upload a photo taken at the booth and tag @opusbarandgrill and #NegroniWeekOpusBarandGrill to stand a chance to win complimentary full serves of Negroni for every subsequent visit across the year!
- Check out the full list of events here: https://www.instagram.com/camparisg/
- For more information, visit this link: negroniweek.com or follow Campari SG on Instagram.
Disclaimer: We were guests of Campari Group Asia, but all opinions remain our own.
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