Today starts day one of Negroni Week— an event started in 2013 with the goal of selling more Negronis and benefitting charitable organizations while doing so. Each year, thousands of venues partake in Negroni Week, which has raised over three million dollars to date. For one week, participating restaurants and bars will offer a menu featuring the classic Negroni as well as inventive riffs on the beloved, bitter aperitif.
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The Negroni is one of the greatest cocktails that humankind has ever known. Its simple template of equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth proves that sometimes, simplicity is all you need. Its complexity transcends that of drinks with numerous ingredients and methods. The bitter concoction has inspired thousands of playful variations and has developed a cult-like following.
Like its namesake, Negroni Week is a simple idea that produces complex results. This year, the week-long event is benefiting Slow Food— a global movement of local communities and activists across more than 160 countries seeking to change the world through food and beverage. Slow food unites the joy of food with the pursuit of justice by educating on the importance of cultural and biological diversity, food and equitable policies. Along with its main goals, Slow Food raises money for winemaking across the globe, ethical coffee growing and farmers in an invaded Ukraine. Slow Food teamed up with Campari and Imbibe to emphasize the collective impact of charity. And what better way to benefit humanity than drinking the finest cocktail in the world?
The dates and beneficiaries change each year, but one thing is for certain— Negroni Week is only getting started. What is now the 10th iteration of the charity, Negroni Week has grown in participation each year since its inception. With more people drinking Negronis now than ever, the trend-setting drink is the perfect concept to revolve around. Negroni Week is a charity made by food and drink lovers for food and drink lovers and the organizations it benefits reflect that.
The options for a venue offering Negroni week specials are vast. 384 bars and restaurants in New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York City will be mixing up the charitable drink this year and you can find locations near to you at the store locator on Negroni Week’s official website.
About the Author/s
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
