Negroni Week has kicked off in Bali, offering the perfect excuse to visit the island’s top cocktail bars!
This global event unites cocktail lovers and venues worldwide. Launched in 2013 by the American magazine Imbibe with the support of Campari, it has grown into a true international festival. In 2021, Slow Food joined as a charity partner, supporting crucial causes like sustainability, education, and equality. Slow Food operates worldwide and has its roots in Italy, the birthplace of the Negroni. It embodies the spirit of Negroni Week — building community and striving for a better world through food and drink.
Throughout the week, top bars from New York to Bali create unique variations of the classic Negroni, with part of the proceeds going to charity. Each cocktail not only brings joy but also supports a good cause!
Why Negroni? This iconic drink, known for its distinct flavor — a blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth — has become a symbol of style and sophistication. During Negroni Week, mixologists worldwide experiment with new ingredients, creating unique versions that you can only try during this celebration.
A bit of history: It’s said that the Negroni was inspired by popular American cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. Italian bars quickly picked up this trend and began creating their own versions. The first recorded Negroni recipe appeared in the early 20th century and is traditionally linked to Count Camillo Negroni. According to legend, in 1919, Count Negroni asked a bartender in Florence to make a stronger version of the "Americano" by replacing soda with gin. The drink became so popular that it was named after him.
The classic Negroni recipe, still enjoyed today, is:
- 1 part gin
- 1 part Campari
- 1 part sweet vermouth (rosso vermouth)
All ingredients are mixed with ice and served in a glass over ice, garnished with an orange slice.
Negroni Sbagliato, or "mistaken Negroni," is a lighter version of the classic cocktail, where gin is swapped for sparkling wine, making it less strong and more bubbly.
This version was created by accident in the 1970s at Bar Basso in Milan, when bartender Mirko Stocchetto mistakenly used prosecco instead of gin. The error was a hit and became a beloved variation.
If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy a Negroni in Bali this week, you’ve got plenty of options!
At The Lawn in Canggu, you can try their signature Tropical Negroni, made with gin, strawberry Campari, and pineapple vermouth, or unwind with a Kaffir Lime Mericano.
At the St. Regis Bali Resort in Nusa Dua, they offer both the classic Negroni and a Kula Negroni, made with strawberry gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, for IDR 220,000++.
W Bali – Seminyak offers creative variations of the classic cocktail, such as:
- East Indonesia(Sous Vide gin with capsicum and pineapple, yuzu vermouth, Campari),
- Kintamani (mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth with coffee beans and parmesan cheese),
- Tropical Equator (Campari, sweet vermouth, topped with tropical passion fruit soda),
- Cacao Negroni (Sous Vide aged rum with banana, crème de cacao white, Cam
The price of cocktails starts at IDR 190,000++ each.
At The Fisherman’s Club Andaz Bali in Sanur, you can take advantage of the “two for the price of one” promotion from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with a cost of IDR 165,000++ for both. You’ll be able to observe traditional jukung boats anchored by the shore and fishermen going about their daily routines with nets in hand.
Other well-known venues joining the celebration include Hotel Indigo in Seminyak, Holiday Inn Resort Baruna in Kuta, and COMO Beach Club in Canggu.
So, Negroni Week is not just an opportunity to enjoy a favorite cocktail; it’s a global celebration of flavor and generosity that brings people together on all continents.
Sources: thebalisun.com, negroniweek.com
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