Welcome to Negroni Week 2017, y’all! A full week devoted to my favorite drink and charitable giving – what could be better? I’m a regular girl who likes to enjoy a tipple, but if you tell me I’m supporting good causes while I drink? Well, I’ll feel downright obligated to go out and support the fine bars and establishments who are participating.
What is Negroni Week?
For newbies, Negroni Week is a worldwide celebration of (in my humble opinion) one of the finest cocktails in existence. Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and garnished with an orange peel; a sophisticated, balanced, and delicious drink. Negroni Week was launched in 2013, and has quickly grown to include over 6,000 participating venues; all of whom must make an upfront donation to a list of highlighted charities, with the choice to give an additional portion of proceeds sold. Some venues serve the traditional negroni while others mix it up; substituting mescal, rye, tequila, and bourbon for the gin. To date, over $900,000 has been raised.
How to Find a Negroni!
Since I live in Houston, Texas, the rest of this post is going to be local recommendations. If you’re not in Houston – or if you are and you want more choices (there’s 117!!!), visit here for a complete list of participating venues.
Negroni Week in Houston – Jessica’s Recommendations
Houston folks, you can find a participating venue just about anywhere in H-town – from inside the loop to the greater Houston city limits. I chose these bars and restaurants because 1) they listed some fun curated cocktails on the Negroni Week website, 2) they are using great gins, and 3) they’re all near my ‘hood (a girl’s got to be responsible, you know!). So, here’s my week:
Monday, 6/5 – Beaver’s – 2310 Decatur
The official host of the Negroni Week kickoff party, come celebrate with Campari from 4-7 PM. They are offering 3 special drinks along with 4 classics. I can’t wait to try The Bow Tie made with Bulldog Gin, vanilla and cinnamon infused Campari, and strawberry cochi. CHARITY: Water for People
Tuesday, 6/6 – Cane Rosso – 4306 Yoakum Blvd.
I’m hearing non-stop buzz about the new menu at Cane Rosso, and so I’m heading in for pizza and their $7 Negroni specials, one with Ford’s Gin, and the other with rum. CHARITY: Muttville
Wednesday, 6/7 – Revolver Bourbon Social – 6502 Washington
I’ve never been to this bar, but am completely excited to try their aged negroni – a 5 L barrel with Citadelle Reserve Gin (delicious), Campari, and Dolin’s sweet vermouth. They plan to pour it directly out over a large block of ice and garnish with a flamed orange peel. CHARITY: Autism Speaks
Thursday, 6/8 – Bar Boheme – 307 Fairview
Boheme is always a great bar for the extensive patio and good cocktail selection. They’ve created five different riffs on the negroni, one with Citadelle Gin, one with Tanqueray Old Tom Gin, and the others with aquavit and ancho verde, rye, and bourbon. Really intrigued by the aquavit! CHARITY: Paws
Friday, 6,9 – Nobie’s – 2048 Colquitt
Nobie’s has become one of my absolute favorite restaurants, so I’m counting the days until Friday. Not only do they have great cocktails featuring Big Gin (my go-to gin right now!), they’re also creating (are you ready for this?) negroni watermelon salad, negroni sea scallops, negroni PIE, and if that weren’t enough – negroni jello shots! CHARITY: No Kid Hungry
Saturday, 6/10 – Star Fish Houston – 191 Heights Blvd.
I’ve been wanting to try this just-opened restaurant, as I keep hearing about their extensive gin selection. More than 50 bottles? Sold! Featured negronis include some interesting twists – the #1 has campari, lillet rose, mescal, St. Germaine, and angostura. CHARITY: No Kid Hungry
Sunday, 6/11 – Grand Prize Bar – 1010 Banks
Negronis on tap and frozen Jungle Birds…seems like a nice way to close out the week! CHARITY: WILD Foundation
Wrapping Up…
Go forth and enjoy all sorts of negronis, wherever you are drinking. Have fun, be safe, and be sure to tag your social media posts with #NegroniWeek. I’ll be on Instagram all week @ginerations_of_gin. Come say hi!
