In partnership with
Overview
Simple yet sophisticated, the negroni has been a staple of bar menus for over a century. Since its inception in Florence, Italy, in 1919, the cocktail of gin, Campari (because there's no negroni without Campari), and sweet vermouth has captivated drinkers. I mean, there's even a whole week dedicated to the apéritif.
This September, Negroni Week is being upgraded to Negroni Month. That means four whole weeks of national celebrations, rooftop parties, bar takeovers, and negroni-obsessed menus across the country. Want to get in on the action, Brisbane?
To celebrate Negroni Month, here are our picks for Brisbane's best negronis.
Millie Tang
The Gresham
Located in the heritage-listed National Australia Bank building, visiting The Gresham is like taking a step back in time. With its charming decor and famous whiskey back bar, The Gresham serves a negroni that'll have you remembering why it's a beloved classic. Plus, the purveyor of fine liquor's numerous Bar of the Year awards doesn't hurt its negroni ranking either.
Dr Gimlette
Taking inspiration from the world's top bars such as The Savoy in London, The Dead Rabbit in New York and Black Pearl in Melbourne, Dr Gimlette is a Brisbane CBD staple. The 30-beverage cocktail menu covers all the classics, including the negroni, of course. Sip the Italian apéritif on Dr Gimlette's leather stools, surrounded by the 19th century building's charm and heritage.
Bar Rosa
Situated in the cultural hub of Brisbane's Fish Lane Arts Precinct, Bar Rosa leans heavily into the European aperitivo lifestyle. Bar Rosa's negroni strikes a balance between bright and bitter. It's like a Brisbane spring afternoon in cocktail form, basically. With a food menu consisting of freshly-made pasta, octopus and meatballs, add Bar Rosa to your date night spot list. Head there during September and you'll be able to try a twist on the Italian drink with a specially curated Negroni Month menu.
Next Episode
Inspired by New York City, Next Episode is a post-work spot with personality. Ring the phone (there's a new entry code each week) to be let in and enjoy the hip hop haven that's hidden behind a barbershop. During Negroni Week, which runs from September 22 to Sunday, September 28, Next Episode is adding its unique twist to the Italian cocktail. Select from the Salted Chocolate Negroni, the Cucumber and Yuzu Negroni, or the Classic Negroni to help celebrate the apéritif.
Maeve Wine Bar
While you might not pick a wine bar for the ultimate negroni, Maeve certainly does the cocktail justice. The South Brisbane bar features an effortlessly chic atmosphere and a menu that'll have you believing you're in Europe, not Queensland. Enjoy an afternoon apéritif as you people-watch by the window, or celebrate the Italian classic over a long, lazy lunch. During Negroni Month, Maeve Wine Bar will have its own curated menu, so you can enjoy the Campari-centred cocktail in a new light.
La Lune Wine Co
La Lune Wine Co is a Fish Lane Arts Precinct venue dedicated to Parisian luxury and dining. The French bistro utilises seasonal produce and can change its menu monthly, making no two visits the same. Its negroni, however, is a staple and offers a fresh and bright version of the bitter tipple. Head to La Lune Wine Co during Negroni Month to peruse the specially curated menu.
Savile Row
Hidden behind a bright orange door, Savile Row in Fortitude Valley offers an extensive whisky and cocktail list. Don't be fooled by the encyclopaedic back bar, though. While there may be over 1000 bottles to choose from, the talented bartenders at this Valley staple can make your negroni any which way with precision and craft. Enjoy the cocktail under Savile Row's glistening chandelier this Negroni Month before heading out into Fortitude Valley's party atmosphere.
Whether you're an after-work cocktail-lover or fancy celebrating the Italian apéritif as the weather warms up, Negroni Month is your excuse to round up the crew and cheers to the classic cocktail.
See which Brisbane venues are serving curated negroni menus this September here.
Please remember to Drinkwise.