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Overview
The annual Negroni Week has levelled up. While the global celebration runs from Monday, September 22, to Sunday, September 28, this year, Australia is getting an entire Negroni Month. That's four whole weeks of celebrations featuring rooftop parties, bar takeovers, and menus dedicated to the famous apéritif made with equal parts Campari (because there's no negroni without Campari), gin, and sweet vermouth.
This Negroni Month, Imbibe Magazine and Campari are joining forces with Slow Food to foster a more equitable and sustainable world of food and beverage. Donations raised during Negroni Month will help to continue Slow Food's mission of defending biological and cultural diversity.
Keen to give back to charity and your tastebuds? Here are the top five Melbourne venues to sip your way through Negroni Month this September.
Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne
Given the negroni's Italian heritage, it makes sense that Melbourne's premier Italian food hall and market, Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne, is a cocktail hub this month.
Campari is partnering with San Pellegrino to bring a curated negroni experience to the venue. Running all month, each artisan in the market will create a dish to pair with one negroni and one San Pellegrino flavour. There'll also be Negroni Masterclasses running each Thursday, plus a special negroni menu for punters to peruse.
Beneath Driver Lane
Beneath Driver Lane is one of Melbourne's best underground bars. Hidden down a laneway that's nestled beside the QV building, Beneath Driver Lane is inspired by New Orleans' jazz and blues scene. The hidden bar is hosting the official Negroni Month Wrap Party on Sunday, September 28. Enjoy a night of DJs and apéritifs to farewell the event for another year.
Of course, their special Negroni Month menu will be available to order throughout September, so it's not goodbye just yet.
Johnny's Green Room
This Carlton rooftop is transforming into a negroni haven this month. Alongside the bespoke Campari-inspired menu, the headline event at this venue is 'Johnny's Sunday Service' on Sunday, September 14. You can dance to DJ, Kuzco, enjoy food by Chef Mischa Tropp, and sip on negronis as the sun sets over the city. Entry is free so head down from 12pm to enjoy.
The Italian-inspired food menu at Johnny's Green Room is designed by celebrity chef and Culinary Director, Karen Martini, so you know that the woodfired pizzas, burrata and cicchetti will pair perfectly with your negroni.
Republic Economica
Described as South Yarra's "recession saviours", the Toorak Road venue is famous for its $9 pizza, pasta and, of course, negronis. For Negroni Month, Republic Economica are curating a negroni Specials Board, making it a must-stop if you're looking for an affordable night out.
Puttanesca Osteria
Located inside the historic Clifton Hotel in Kew, Puttanesca Osteria is a cosy Italian eatery that encourages long lunches and midweek pizzas. This September, head to Puttanesca Osteria for a weekly Blue's Music Session and a Negroni Menu to match. Nab a table outside to lap up the incoming spring sunshine and al fresco nibbles—with a Campari cocktail in hand.
In addition to the above, several venues across the city are curating their own Negroni-focused menus over the month. Whether you're on a Carlton rooftop, tucked into a laneway bar, or enjoying a dinner that sprawls long into the night, Negroni Month is your excuse to round up the crew and celebrate the Italian apéritif.
Please remember to drinkwise. Lead image: Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Image