There's a day for just about anything now. National Go Barefoot Day (June 1). National Name Your Car Day (October 2). National Pigs in a Blanket Day (April 24—seriously). But there's an entire week dedicated to negronis, and for that, we can't complain. Imbibe Magazine's Negroni Week (June 5-11) celebrates the Italian libation (traditionally made with Campari, vermouth and gin) across the world as participating bars craft their own version to raise money for a charity of their choosing. It's a noble cause—and a worthwhile excuse to drink a ton of negronis in one week—and to help you navigate the 80+ bars participating in Austin, we've narrowed it down to our favorites. Cheers!
Negroni Stroll Down South Lamar: Hit up five bars with one ticket on this self-guided negroni tour down South Lamar. You can purchase a $25 passport here, which includes samples of five negronis from Eberly's Cedar Tavern (check-in begins here at 6pm), Backbeat, VOX Table, El Burro and the Highball. Charity: SHARE
Frozen negroni at the Mohawk: If you've never had a frozen negroni, the Mohawk is your chance to try one out. It will probably be hot out. You will definitely need a couple. Charity: New Orleans Musicians' Clinic
Negroni and Boulevardier at the Blackheart: Head to the Blackheart if you'd like to mix up your Campari intake. The Rainey Street bar is offering both a traditional negroni and a Boulevardier, made with Campari, whiskey and sweet vermouth. Charity: PAWS
Eight negroni options at the Townsend: Not one, not two, but eight negroni options await you at the Townsend, from a classic version to Spanish Navy (genius navy strength gin, Campari, Manuel Acha rojo vermouth) to Hipsterville, USA (Brooklyn Gin, Campari, Ransom Sweet Vermouth). Charity: Helen David Relief Fund
Mezcal negroni at Gelateria Gemelli: It may be a gelato shop and amaro bar, but Gelateria Gemelli is getting in on the negroni action with a mezcal (and rum!) variation. You should probably stick around for a scoop of gelato, too. Charity: No Kid Hungry
Austin-inspired negroni at the Butterfly Bar: The Manor Road bar is offering a negroni dedicated to our fair city by using local distillers, including Revolutions Spirits, Ameco Amaro and Austin Reserve Gin. Charity: Art of Elysium
Negroni flight at the Tigress: Do you get bored sipping the same drink for an hour? The Tigress is your spot during Negroni Week, serving three mini negronis—one classic, and two as-of-yet-unnamed variations. Charity: Autism Speaks
Show Pony Negroni at Olive & June: If you're on the fence about negronis—hey, Campari isn't for everyone—the Show Pony offers a softer profile. It's made with Malfy con Limone gin, Contratto Americano Rosso, Acqua di Cedro, aperol and rhubarb bitters. Charity: Muttville
For a full list of participating bars, check out Negroni Week's website.
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