By Mary Ann Bell
As with all classic cocktails, there is a tried and true method to creating the perfect sip, and there will always be those people who say that you shouldn’t mess with perfection. Well, we think that there’s always room for a little creativity, and when it comes to a Negroni, it’s just waiting for a talented bartender to make their mark. June 4-10, 2018 is Negroni Week, and bartenders across Metro Vancouver have thrown their shakers into the ring to showcase their interpretation of this classic Italian cocktail.
Traditionally mixed with equal parts gin, vermouth rosso (red, semi-sweet), and Campari, a classic Negroni is always garnished with an orange peel and is best enjoyed on a sunny patio, while dreaming about Italian vacations.
Negroni week was started in 2013 by Campari and Imbibe Magazine with 120 venues participating and has since grown to include over 7,700 venues from around the world. During Negroni Week, bars and restaurants mix classic Negronis and their own innovative Negroni creations with the ultimate goal of raising funds for the official charity of their choice.
Here are 7 Vancouver venues taking part:
Homer Street Café
Created by Beverage Director JS Dupuis, “The Duchess and The Queen” is a cheeky reference to the recent Royal wedding and is inspired by the classic Americano cocktail. Offered for $10 ($8 at Happy Hour), the limited-edition drink will benefit Slow Food International.
Juke Fried Chicken & Ribs
Bar Manager Cass Darmanovic has created four signature Negroni drinks plus a classic for this year’s event. Juke has selected Surfrider Foundation as its charity of choice. The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
Classic: Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
Sunset Blvd: Bourbon, Campari, Punt e Mes, Maraschino, Cinnamon
Sunday Morning: Campari, Lillet Blanc, Fresh Watermelon, Lemon, Soda
Slow Jams: Gin, Campari, Pimms, House Strawberry Preserves, Lemon, Egg White
Fast Lane: Fig Infused Rum, Campari, Yellow Chartreuse, Vanilla, Lemon, Bitters
Tableau Bar Bistro
Beverage Director JS Dupuis’ “Le Trompeur” cocktail is a twist on the Sbagliato and features Citadelle Gin, Campari, Dolin Blanc, Cuvée and a grapefruit twist. Offered for $12 ($10 at Happy Hour), the limited-edition drink will benefit Slow Food International.
Tuc Craft Kitchen
During Negroni Week, Tuc Craft Kitchen is serving three internationally inspired renditions of a classic Negroni, with a portion of the proceeds donated to WE Charity.
Paris Block: Campari, Sherringham Seaside Gin, Punt E Mes, Aperol, Fernet , Bittermans Hopped Grapefruit Bitters garnished with a grapefruit twist
Oaxaca: Campari, Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal. Ancho Reyes Chile Liquer, Bittermans Xocolatl Mole Bitters garnished with a lemon twist
Philly: Campari, Rittenhouse Rye, Amaro Montenegro, Nocino, Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters, Orange twist
UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar
UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar bartender Lily Duong has created a limited edition “Ahoy Hoy” cocktail. Served with fresh fruit in a wine glass, the summertime sipper features Beefeater Gin, Campari, Noilly Amber and Lambrusco. $2 from each drink ordered will be donated to the BC Hospitality Foundation.
Wildebeest
A unique twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, the “Basilisk Negroni”, created by Wildebeest bartender Drew McGuire, delivers a smoky bite thanks to its blend of Mezcal, Cocchi Americano and Amaro Nonino. The limited-edition cocktail is only on offer during Negroni Week and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to WE Charity.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is featuring two interpretations of the Negroni – the classic and “The Dahlia” (siete misterios mezcal, lillet blanc, aperol). $2 from each Negroni cocktail sold will be donated to CORE, a non-profit that provides support to children of food and beverage services employees navigating life-altering circumstances.
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