We’re well aware of National Margarita Day (February 22) and National Martini Day (June 19), but only one classic cocktail gets an entire week of its own. That honor goes to the beloved Negroni, the guest of honor at Negroni Week celebrations happening across the country from June 5 to June 11. And, while we don’t really need too much of an excuse to order ourselves a drink, we do feel even better knowing that Negroni Week is all a fun way to support some great charities.
For Negroni Week, organized by Imbibe magazine and Campari, the bitter Italian spirit that gives a classic Negroni its signature flavor and bright red hue, bars sign up to offer a Negroni Week special, a portion of the proceeds from which will go to a charity with whom that bar has chosen to partner. This year there are 42 charities working on a variety of worthy causes who will be receiving donations from over 5,000 bars, restaurants and other participating venues.
Around L.A., 96 different bars, including many of our favorites, are getting in on the Negroni Week action—and there are options from purist-pleasing to crazy creative. Bar Clacson will be mixing up the Quill Cocktail, a Negroni-like drink from 1919 that adds a rinse of absinthe around the glass. At the Wellsbourne, their special Caribbean take on the recipe includes Rhum Barbancourt and Angastora. Ocean Prime in Beverly Hills will offer an OP Negroni featuring the floral Botanist Gin. Other spots donating for each drink you order include Black Market Liquor Bar, Resident, Everson Royce Bar and ETA.
Possibly our favorite Negroni variant of the week will be available from a patio ice cream truck bar at Break Room 86: Coolhaus collaborated with the bar on a limited edition ice cream sandwich featuring Campari-coconut ice cream between almond biscotti cookies. Cheers to that!
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