I have always been a sucker for a bit of bitterness in my cocktails, making Negroni one of my favorites. A cocktail made with Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth, it’s got a bitter aftertaste that we both love quite a bit So when the International Negroni Week came around, we headed out to some of the bars around town to try out some Negronis and it’s variations. But before I start off, a quick word on the World Negroni Week. As Campari is one of the main ingredients of the Negroni, the company sponsors a week where events take place in bars and restaurants all over the world while contributing to a social cause. Campari adds that special texture to a drink because of the infusion of the herbs and most importantly it adds the lovely bright red colour to the drink. Although this bittersweet lusciously red coloured liquid is an acquired taste but they are long in flavour and definitely lingers on your glass and mind for a long time.
Our first drink was at AD Singh’s Ek Bar in Defence Colony. Nitin Tiwari, who also goes by the name of Bartender hooked us up with some lovely variations on the Negroni. But the one that I enjoyed the most was the Ujjala Negroni. The drink derives its name from Ujjala, an organization which is working with visually challenged people in India. To give it an Indian twist, the Bombay Sapphire Gin was combined with a Masala Tea Vermouth and Campari. The addition of the masala tea adds a different layer of flavours to the classic old Negroni that you must try out. The other variations that finished up the lineup included a sprightly variation with mint and orange along with sour(Ray of Hope) that had some honey, lime and egg white in it.
Although we tossed back quite a few of these at the Ek Bar, the Negroni week wasn’t finished for us as we decided to head out to Figs and Maple for some more. Here, another Indian flavour caught my fancy: the Kesariya made with saffron-infused Gin, Campari, tea-infused vermouth and saffron petals. This gives the Negroni a sweet aromatic taste that Indians are very fond of.
The other two variations for the night were Slice of Passion and Old Spice along with Classic Negroni. The Slice of Passion is lovely refreshing drink with Campari infused with cloves, black pepper Gin, Aperol and raw mango. While the Old Spice was simple and classic Campari and Gin with a dash of Star Anise infused Vermouth.
The Negroni Week is not just a celebration of a cocktail but also promotes social causes around the world. Do let us know in the comments below if you have tried out a Negroni or would like to know about a place to try one.
