The much-anticipated Negroni Week – where bartenders shake up their spin on the classic gin, Campari and sweet vermouth cocktail – is once again upon us. But, as with most events since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s Singapore edition has been given a twist.
As many bars in Singapore without food licenses remain closed during Phase Two, the festivities will include a virtual component. Beginning today (14 September), you’ll be able to order special negroni concoctions from some of Singapore’s top bars via their respective digital platforms to enjoy in the comfort of your home. The drinks will also be available at certain establishments for both dine-in and takeaway.
These include Barbary Coast‘s Cured Negroni, a cocktail made with toasted fenugreek gin, marshmallow root lillet blanc and gherkin brine that’s heavy on the umami notes; Bananas in a Glass by Smoke & Mirrors, a fruit-tinged concoction crafted with dried banana-infused cognac and banana liqueur; and the Chocolate Aged Rum Negroni courtesy of Origin Bar, where the traditional gin is swapped out for chocolate-flavoured aged rum. Other participating bars include Manhattan, MO Bar and Shin Tai Gi, among others.
Additionally, Campari has launched two special products to mark the occasion. The first is the Campari RTE, a limited-edition pre-made batch negroni that’s composed of equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, which can simply be poured over ice to serve. It’s currently available at select Cold Storage outlets and via Redmart.
The second is a special box of chocolates crafted in partnership with chocolatier Benns Ethicoa, which will only be available through the end of the month. The chocolates, which are almost too pretty to eat, are available in two flavours: the Classic Negroni, made with a dark chocolate shell, Campari-infused dark chocolate ganache and negroni-immersed candied orange peel; as well as the Negroni Blanca, which has a white chocolate shell, gin and sweet vermouth white chocolate ganache and Campari jelly.
In other years, bars customarily donate a portion of their sales from Negroni Week to charity, but they will be allowed to retain all proceeds this year due to the punishing economic climate. However, Campari will be donating 10% of the sales from each box of Benns Ethicoa chocolates to this year’s official local charity partner Majulah Movement, plus an additional S$1 per box sold.
You can also get involved by donating S$10 to purchase a meal or a snack pack for Majulah Movement’s beneficiaries, which include low-income families, the elderly and migrant workers. Donations can be made until 30 September.
Negroni Week is a global partnership between Campari and Imbibe magazine that celebrates the beloved cocktail while raising money for global charities. Since its inception in 2013, it’s expanded from roughly 120 participating venues to over 12,000 and has raised a collective nearly US$3 million for charitable causes.
Please check the bars’ respective websites for opening hours before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
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