In 1919, Count Camillo Negroni contemplated ordering his usual Americano cocktail in Florence, but he fancied a change. He requested his drink with a touch of gin instead of soda, inspired by his last trip to London and its prevalent gin scene. The bartender was pleased to honour the Count’s request and added an orange garnish rather than lemon. The Negroni was born.
Featuring the perfect combination of equal parts Campari, Red Vermouth and London Dry gin, the Negroni is now one of the world’s most famous contemporary classic cocktails with many bars adding their own spin.
From 4th to 10th June, bars across the globe will take part in Negroni Week, inviting people to celebrate the cocktail while also raising money for charitable causes. From 2013 to 2017 Negroni Week grew from about 100 participating venues to over 7,700 venues around the world, and to date, they have collectively raised nearly £1.5 million for charity.
Sipping cocktails and raising money for charity at the same time sounds like a win-win situation to us, and Campari has paired with several Manchester bars to offer tastings, masterclasses and dedicated Negroni menus. Here’s where you can take part.
Salvi’s Terrazza
Order a Negroni at this authentically Italian champagne, cocktail and Prosecco bar under the glass atrium of the historical Corn Exchange building and you can raise money for Slow Food International. The global grassroots organisation was founded in 1989 to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of fast life and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our choices affect the world around us.
Cosy Club
Head to the Corn Exchange to try their classic Negroni for £6.95. £1 from each one will go to Water for People, a charity which exists to promote the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all.
The Refinery
Located in buzzing Spinningfields, The Refinery is a laid back, chic drinking and dining destination. Their chosen charity for Negroni Week is Refugee Canteen, an organisation which provides asylum-seekers with training in the culinary arts.
Epernay
This award-winning champagne and cocktail bar in the Great Northern has chosen Water for People as their charity with a bespoke Negroni list.
Arcane
The South King Street cocktail bar will pit Manchester’s gins against each other in the quest to find the greatest Manchester Negroni. They’ll be looking at Zymurgorium, Three Rivers and Thomas Dakin. Sample three different Negronis and decide which you think is the best while raising money for Mercy Corps, whose mission is to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.
Cottonopolis
Try this Northern Quarter bar’s special White Negroni, featuring Monkey 47 gin, Lillet Blanc and Suze, and you can also raise money for Water for People.
Roc and Rye
Roc and Rye cocktail bar on Spring Gardens has chosen to support No Kid Hungry, a charity aiming to end child hunger, with each Negroni sold this week.
Turing Tap
This Oxford Road pub offers a huge range of craft beers, cask ales, premium lagers and ciders, but try their special Negroni this week and you can raise money for Water for People.
Fazenda
This Spiningfields bar and restaurant boasts a wine list for the most educated of palates, but switch to a Negroni this week to raise money for Water for People.
The Font
This independent craft beer and cocktail bar in Chorlton offers cask ales, craft beer, craft cider and cocktails. Try their special dandelion and burdock Negroni this week and you’ll be supporting Water for People.
Bluu
A basement lounge bar in the Old Smithfield Market, Bluu is supporting Slow Food International this Negroni Week.
The Beagle
Over in Chorlton, this bar and kitchen will be serving up a classic Negroni, with money from each going to Water for People.
Common
At this Edge Street bar and cafe, you can raise money for Water for People every time you order a classic or a White Negroni.
Cooper Hall
You might usually drink tank beer fresh from the brewery at this bar in Sevendale House, but opt for a Negroni to raise money for Water for People.
Wood & Company
An elegant cocktail bar on South King Street, Wood & Co will donate money from their Negronis to Water for People.
Dusk Til Pawn
This Prohibition-chic lounge with a pawn shop storefront serves craft cocktails, wine and beer, but money from each Negroni will go to Water for People.
NoHo
An independent bar in a Grade II listed property on Stevenson Square with floor-to-ceiling windows and original parquet flooring, NoHo are raising money for Water for People this Negroni Week.
Crazy Pedro’s
It’s known for Manchester’s largest Mezcal and Tequila selection, but try the Negronis at the NQ and Bridge Street branches this week to support Water for People.
The Bay Horse
This modern take on a Victorian pub on Thomas Street is supporting Water for People this Negroni Week.
Science & Industry and Cane & Grain
The quirky drinks laboratory upstairs at Cane & Grain is headed by award-winning Massimo Zitti, while the downstairs bar and restaurant specialises in ribs and bourbon. Together they’re raising money for Water for People this week.
Dog Bowl and Black Dog Ballroom
The New York style bar and restaurants on Church Street and New Wakefield Street will both be raising money for Water for People with their Negronis.
Sandinista and Mama Pacha
Both Sandinista and its Peruvian pop-up Mama Pancha on Old Bank Street will be donating £1 from each special Negroni sold to their chosen charity WaterAid, who believe poverty won’t end until everyone, everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
Slice
A pizzeria, gelateria and aperitivo bar on Stevenson Square, Slice are offering a bespoke mini Campari menu this week with proceeds going to Water for People.
Rosso
This swanky Italian restaurant and bar at the top of King Street will raise money for Water for People this Negroni Week.