Italy’s iconic red apéritif Campari is celebrating Negroni Week 2023 at venues around the world from 18-24 September 2023. And it was inevitable that the former co-owner and face of Aviation Gin, Ryan Reynolds, would make his mark on the event.

As he mixed the perfect Negroni, he feigned expletive-filled outrage at the American trend of adding pumpkin spice to everything in autumn.

Watch his hilarious recipe video below:

The Negroni is a quintessential gin cocktail with a big, bold and bitter flavour profile. The classic Italian aperitif cocktail with a gin kick was originally created in 1919 for Count Camillo Negroni, who asked for a stronger version of the Americano – a combination of vermouth, Campari and soda water – so the bartender subbed out the soda in favour of gin.

And the rest, as they say, is history!

Since the cocktail’s creation in 1919, Campari has been the red heart of the Negroni, which showcases the unique flavour profile of the apéritif .

Each year Campari and Imbibe Magazine join together during Negroni Week to support Slow Food’s mission to foster a more equitable and sustainable world of food and beverage through a series of local events at bars, restaurants, and retailers in Australia and around the world.

The week-long celebration puts the power of fundraising in the hands of the industry, growing over the past decade to raise over $4 million globally.

Slow Food, the official giving partner for the second year, is a global movement of local communities and activists across more than 160 countries.

The Slow Food Negroni Week Fund will give direct support to Australians working in hospitality, helping preserve cultural and biological diversity, promote food and beverage education with knowledge exchange, foster equity, and justice.

Negroni Week in Australia

The Negroni Week celebrations in Australia will kick off with a launch party on 18 September at Hickson House Distilling in The Rocks, Sydney.

Throughout the week, there are opportunities to celebrate cocktail culture and show appreciation for the art of mixology, recognising the dedication and skill of bartenders to create one of the world’s most iconic and loved cocktails.

Across Australia, there are over 230 participating venues to visit and experience Negroni Week with their own unique twist.

Campari Australia Marketing Director Paolo Marinoni said: “Year on year, Negroni Week is packed with celebration and creativity. It is impressive to see how the Australian hospitality industry’s red passion continues to evolve each year.”

Key events include:

• Bar Red by Campari at the Dolphin Hotel (above) – a pop-up bar celebrating the ritual of the aperitivo is taking over The Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills from 20 September to 22 October. The atmosphere will be steeped in red, with a drinks list featuring “Newgronis”, a range of reimagined Negronis by Bars Director Josh Reynolds, paired with a snack menu from Executive Chef Danny Corbett.
• Giusy Castaldo takeovers: Giusy Castaldo from Kwant in London, is taking over Rockpool Sydney (20 September) and Society in Melbourne (24 September). Giusy is showcasing some of Kwant’s signature Campari cocktails
• The Negroni Dinner: Fancy Hanks in Melbourne is hosting a three-course dinner on 20 September. The menu is paired with and inspired by the Negroni

For more information about what’s happening during Negroni Week 2023 visit campariau.com/negroniweek/

400 Gradi announces delicious line up for Negroni Week

400 Gradi will be pouring a selection of unique negronis from September 18 to 24, with a part of the earnings from every Negroni donated to Slow Food.  

Guests can choose from an extensive, special edition menu which includes the Coconut Aged Negroni, featuring classic flavours with a twist – the concoction includes rum that has been aged in a coconut and coconut water. The Pink Negroni combines Campari, Passoa, dragonfruit, white vermouth and vodka to create a fruity and sweet variation. 

Celebrate Negroni Week for the entire month of September

ESQ at the QVB is offering $15 Negronis with a side of live jazz for the entire month of September from Wednesday to Friday.

Al fresco dining joint, Terrace on the Domain is joining in on the fun with four fabulous versions of the Italian cocktail starting from $15. With a menu inspired by the flavours from various regions of Italy, Terrace invites patrons to dine on their honest Italian classics and antipasto menu while enjoying a Negroni in the park.

Celebrate Negroni Week with a caffeine hit

According to the Ink Gin Report, while the Negroni might have a loyal following, the majority of Aussies aren’t convinced with just 8% picking it as their go-to cocktail.

Ink Gin is hoping to win them over with the Negroni Svegliato, which sees a classic gin replaced by Ink Bitter Orange Gin, then combined with a coffee and vermouth blend. The distillery reckons could find favour among Aussies, with more than one in four (27%) admitting they cannot survive the day without coffee.

All funds raised from purchasing a Negroni Svegliato at Husk Farm Distillery will be donated to local not-for-profit Friends of the Pound, which is dedicated to rescuing and re-homing impounded cats and dogs in the Tweed Heads. 

The Negroni capital of Australia