Negroni Week has arrived and the CF Team are celebrating by sipping on the best Negronis in London.
In 1919, at Caffe Casoni in Florence, Count Camillo Negroni asked to strengthen his Americano cocktail by substituting the soda water for gin – he can be thanked for concocting the Negroni we know, love, and see across global bar menus today.
With bitter aromas and notes of sweet vermouth, this aperitif not only awakens the senses and prepares the appetite for dining, it’s also a wonderful drink to unwind with: order it to mark the transition from daytime to evening.
Negroni Week runs until 22 September, and many of London’s best bars are taking the opportunity to show off their unique twists on the classic cocktail. Including miso additions and Negroni jelly sundaes, this is where to find London’s best Negronis – some for this week only, others available year-round.
Nobu Portman Square What to order: The Spicy Negroni
Nobu Hotel in Portman Square is adding two cocktails to its already extensive menu this week: the No3 Negroni and the Spicy Negroni. Bar manager Sophie Bratt is responsible for both delicious takes on the classic, which use No.3 Gin – with crisp notes of juniper and soft notes of ginger – to add zing to the bitter cocktail. The Spicy Negroni is our choice, infused with chilli for added intensity. Take a seat at the bar in the Marylebone hotel for a warming drink on a cool September evening.
ABar Lounge, Mandarin Oriental What to order: The Miso Negroni
Perhaps one of the most unique twists on the Negroni – with added miso – can be found at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair’s ABar Lounge this week. Led by world-renowned chef, Akira Back, the Miso Negroni comes with hints of umami and dark chocolate. You’ll find two more creative takes on the cocktail here too: the Strawberry & Vetiver Negroni mixed with strawberry makegeolli, and the Forest Negroni with Rinomato Americano Bianco and hints of pine and apple. Find a spot in the decadently designed space, order your choice of the three, and pair with bar snacks such as Wagyu beef tartlets.
Yasmin At 1 Warwick What to order: The Nomad
Including sharing plates such as za’atar-spiced mushroom skewers, pistachio-crusted cod and an almond halva cheesecake, Tom Cenci’s menu at Yasmin is inspired by the flavours of Istanbul. The restaurant’s take on the Negroni – named The Nomad – uses Bombay Premier Cru with Campari and Cascara Vermouth, and is infused with strawberry and coffee. A bittersweet way to end the day.
The Marquee Moon What to order: The Negroni Jelly Sundae
Negroni-curious but keen to taste-test the classic cocktail without diving in at the deep (and strong!) end? Head east to The Marquee Moon in Dalston this week and order the Negroni Jelly Sundae for dessert. You’ll also find a menu of contemporary pub classics with East Asian favours strung throughout to start, and an extensive list of cocktails, including the Rice Washed Negroni, made with sushi rice – the hotspot’s fun and inventive addition to London’s Negroni Week.
Bar Douro What to order: The White Negroni
The White Negroni, made with Cobalto-17 Gin and white vermouth will be shaken up by mixologists at Bar Douro’s London Bridge and City spots this week. This fresh, pale take on the unmistakably orange-toned drink accompanies the Portuguese bar’s Baga Negroni, which uses Portuguese Aguardente in place of its usual gin to give a smokey aroma.
Julie's At Holland Park What to order: The Classic Negroni
Savoury, cool, aromatic – sometimes a classic Negroni is all that’s needed to begin the evening. Head to the recently reopened Julie’s in Holland Park, opt for a patterned booth, and settle into the carefully curated cocktail list which hones in on classics, including the signature Negroni mixed with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Lead image credit: Julie’s Holland Park
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