The Ten Best Bars for a Negroni in Brisbane

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Some cocktails go in and out of fashion. Some cocktails never go out of style. When it comes to the Negroni, the latter has proven the case for almost a century. And there are a few reasons that this drink remains a classic. Its beautifully bitter mix of gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth always hits the spot. Its origins, harking back to 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked a Florence bartender to switch the soda in his Americano to gin, are both simple and ingenious. And it's delicious, whether served according to the recipe or given a signature twist.

It's also the deserving recipient of a whole week of celebrations: Negroni Week, obviously. Since 2013, seven days each June are dedicated to wetting your whistle with this tasty tipple.

So, just where should Brisbanites flock for one of the world's greatest drinks? Here's our pick of the ten best bars to get your Negroni fix from. Participating venues will even donate $1 from every Negroni ordered from June 6–12 to a charity of their choice.

DARLING & CO

Paddington's new hotspot is an absolute darling. Not just taking over, but completely remodelling the space that Suncorp Stadium patrons probably knew as Iceworks, Darling & Co has classed up its corner of the inner west (twice, they just revamped). Owner-operator Jacqueline Madden brings her wealth of experience (Cloudland, Press Club, the Empire Hotel, Peasant, Cabiria, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall and The Fox) to the multi-faceted space. For Negroni Week, you'll find specials during the week raising money for Destiny Rescue.

GERARD'S BAR

Tucked behind Gerard's Bistro is its super sleek and charismatic little brother, Gerard's Bar. This hidden bar adds another feather to the cap for the Moubment Group as their collection of restaurants and bars — including Hatch & Co, Laruche and Lychee Lounge — grows. It's been an interesting addition to the James Street precinct, managing to add something a little different to the existing bustling bar scene — and damn fine Negronis at that.

COPPA SPUNTINO

A pizzeria and a bar all in one, Coppa Spuntino in the CBD has earned an enviable reputation for its small plate options. If Negronis are your thing, it should also earn a spot at the top of your must-visit list, because that's the drink they're renowned for. In fact, they have nine types to choose from on their Il Viaggio del Negroni menu, stepping through the cocktail's journey from its creation through to modern interpretations. If you want to try one with whiskey, bourbon or tequila, you can — plus, you can also tailor your own concoction, taking your pick from types of vermouth and gin.

DUTCH COURAGE OFFICERS' MESS

Since it opened in mid-2014, this Alfred Street cocktail bar has fast become the place to be. Dutch Courage Officers' Mess's theming and decor might conjure images of 19th-century colonial British outposts, buts its mood brings everything firmly into the 21st century. That includes a food selection filled with delicacies, and a drinks list to match. Given that gin is the bar's preferred spirit, with more than 80 varieties on offer from around the world, its Negroni-making skills are never in doubt. Their version adds caffeine to the mix for those looking for some extra pep, in a scrumptious swill of Tanqueray, Mr Black coffee liqueur, Antica Formula and Campari.

RIVERBAR AND KITCHEN

Eating and drinking on Eagle Street, while looking out over a scenic river view, is never a bad thing. That's why the ever-popular Riverbar and Kitchen is always busy. Well, that and their impressive house-made cocktail lineup, with their fresh take on the Negroni a definite hit. That'd be the Champagne Negroni, which adds a dash of Prosecco to the usual recipe to add fizz. It also makes for a drink that suits any time of day or night, and just generally goes down a treat. During Negroni Week, the Classic, Champagne and Sloe Negronis will all raise funds for Oz Harvest.

LARUCHE

A Saturday night in Fortitude Valley, particularly on or around Brunswick Street Mall, can risk getting a bit same ol' same ol' at times. Laruche is just different enough to set itself apart, without being too fancy. Fans of Lychee Lounge in West End will recognise the eclecticism and opulence that is fun rather than stifling — almost gaudy, but in an acceptable way. Order yourself one of Laruche's crisp Negronis and absorb the shiny, shiny opulence.

PUBLIC BAR & RESTAURANT

It really wasn't all that long ago that trying to find a classy hangout spot in the vicinity of George and Roma Streets was a fruitless task. Thankfully, that side of the city is changing swiftly, with Public Bar & Restaurant one of the first beacons of hope to shine on the area. It's a great place to try out a few out-there dishes (brains, figs and grains, anyone?), if you're feeling experimental. For Negroni Week though, they're going traditional with classic Negronis — $4 from each Negroni goes to Black Dog Institute.

MISTER PAGANINI

South Bank's fun Italian eatery Mister Paganini caters to long lunchers, on-the-go coffee lovers and pizza diehards in one. The multi-faceted venue features a restaurant serving up classic cuisine, as well as a deli for take-home bites and snacks. But they also do a mean Negroni. During Negroni Week, they'll be doing a Classico, a Barrel-Aged Classico (aged for one month), a Menta and a coffee-infused Caffe version of the cocktail — all raising money for Make a Wish Australia.

LEFTY'S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL

Like a cross between Deadwood and True Blood, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall will have whiskey and Americana running through your veins by the time you leave. Inside the cavernous building that used to belong to gentleman's club The Velvet Cigar, you can now find a portal to an entirely different place and time. During Negroni Week, Lefty's will be doing a few specials to raise funds for Beyond Blue.

THE END

Never has the saying 'good things come in small packages' rung truer than at West End's latest boutique bar, The End. Although accommodating 60 people at capacity and being a tiny bit squeezy, The End is cosy rather than claustrophobic. For Negroni Week, they're putting on a barrel-aged grapefruit and mezcal Negroni for $15, raising funds for Micah Projects Inc.

Want to learn more about Negronis? Brush up on your history.

By the Concrete Playground team.