We’ve all read about Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships, but us drinkers prefer to read about a cocktail that launched a thousand charitable donations. 7,138 donations, to be exact. The Negroni, a hundred-year-old cocktail, got new life in 2013 when Imbibe Magazine and Campari teamed up to start Negroni Week, an annual week of charitable giving from bars to organizations in need. Starting at limited venues, the week has garnered more than $1.5 million dollars in donations over the last five years with hopes that 2018 will see the same success.
The Negroni is a traditional Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. But what would bartenders do with their extra time if they weren’t working to find new ways to enjoy classics? Bars across Dallas—and in the world, for that matter—will be riffing and stirring up their own takes on the classic in the coming week to find the most intriguing take on the classic. Expect variations like AC Lounge’s Red Light Negroni made with Bols Genever and served in a light bulb ($12) and Jettison’s Southern Negroni ($13) made with mezcal, Fidencio Classico, Campari, and Caperitif.
Your favorite cocktail spots around Dallas are donating to charities near and dear to North Texans like Trigger’s Toys, the Helen David Relief Fund, and No Kid Hungry. Most bars choose to donate $1 per Negroni ordered, but some of our generous publicans will also donate tips throughout the week. And with numerous spinoff events, there’s no shortage of good being done by Negroni Week.
Find local bars and restaurants carrying the Negroni banner at NegroniWeek.com. Pick your favorites and get in the social media game using #NegroniWeek. After all, it’s for a good cause.
Cin-cin!
