Negroni Week is upon us. Yes, it’s that time of year when some of the best and the brightest in Sydney’s bar and restaurant scene come together for seven days to salute the classic Italian aperitivo. And because the beloved bittersweet cocktail turns 100 years old in 2019, there’s even more reason to celebrate.
The milestone festivities kick off at Zeta Bar from 6pm tonight, where they’ll be stirring the original recipe and variations on the timeless tipple with the help of 16 of Sydney’s best cocktail bars, including PS40, Old Mate's Place, Door Knock and This Must Be the Place. In addition, a lucky raffle winner will take home a canvas by 2018 Archibald Packing Room Prize winner Jamie Preisz, with all proceeds donated to charity.
On Thursday, the crew at Maybe Sammy will be doing what they do best, hosting a shindig with a live crooners band from 6pm and lending their Italian flair to a menu of Negroni twists. Arrive early for free finger food and a complimentary cocktail on arrival.
All week long, Matteo Downtown will be spicing up its aperitivo hour with an exclusive list of Negronis to go with free bar snacks between 4-6pm. Between 5-7pm, you can wander over to the QT Hotel’s recently refurbed Parlour Cucina for a ten-buck Negroni, with a side of live music and antipasti on the house, or if you’d prefer a spot outdoors, Rosetta will be pouring six different riffs on the terrace for $15 (or $10 if you rock up between 4-7pm). And until Sunday, all Fratelli Fresh outlets will also be serving up $10 classic Negronis with a $7 special each day (Friday definitely calls for a tequila-spiked version).
Now in its seventh year, Negroni Week encompasses almost 10,000 venues worldwide, and has raised more than $2 million for charitable causes. Over 100 Sydney venues are currently registered to take part for the next seven days, including Big Poppa's, Earl’s Juke Joint, Bulletin Place, Continental Deli and Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern among others.
Negroni Week runs from Monday June 24 through Sunday June 30. For more information, visit negroniweek.com.
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