Eeyore’s Requiem at The Violet Hour
The Negroni is a classic cocktail traditionally made with gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari as an apertif. Every summer since 2013, we have celebrated the delicious and refreshing drink with Negroni Week from June 6-12. While you really can’t go wrong with any option, we have chosen our top spots for the coming week, and even included a few recipes for you!
This year, in addition to creating specialty twists on the classic, many bars and restaurants in Chicago have also signed up and pledged to donate a portion of proceeds for every Negroni, specialty Campari cocktail, or Negroni-inspired item to charity.
Clear as Day Negroni at Rockit Bar & Grill
This rock n’ roll-inspired Rockit Bar & Grill in River North {22 West Hubbard Street; 312.645.6000} will pair their house aperitif with Cocchi Americano and Hendricks gin, making everything appear clear as day. While you’re in, sample their new summer menu items like Pesto Crusted Salmon or Rockit Rancheros and watch the Cubs or Sox play.
Negroni Scuro at Nando Milano Trattoria
This year, one of Chicago’s most authentic Italian restaurants, Nando Milano Trattoria {2114 West Division Street; 773.486.2636} is taking a dark twist on the classic Italian drink. Made with a splash of Ramazzoti Amaro liquor and a Sicilian blood orange garnish, it’ll take you to the dark side in the best way possible. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from Nando Milano’s Negroni Scuro will benefit Imerman Angels.
Negroni 10 at Southport & Irving (SIP)
This special at Southport & Irving (SIP) {4000 North Southport Avenue; 773.857.2890} features Fords London dry gin, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, and Campari, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Un86’d charity. In addition, SIP is offering a Mellow Negroni 12 for those who like the taste without quite as much bite. This cocktail is made with Ransom Old Tom gin, Mancino Ambrato sweet vermouth, and Campari.
Hillside Negroni at Frontier
How can something be sour and sweet? Sip on this Southern spin at Frontier {1072 North Milwaukee Avenue; 773.772.4322} curated with Beefeater gin, Campari, Dolin Dry, lemon, and honey to find out. It’s the perfect pairing for an afternoon in the beer garden with their Duck Tacos or Wagyu Beef and Kimchee Reuben.
Boulevardier Negroni at Tesori
The Loop-located Tesori trattoria and bar {65 East Adams Street; 312.786.9911} will offer a Boulevardier libation, swapping the gin of a traditional Negroni for Eagle Rare bourbon. The drink is comprised of Eagle Rare bourbon, Campari, and Carpano Antica with an orange twirl garnish. Pair it with one of their artisan pizzas, antipasti, or housemade pastas to complete your meal. Part of the proceeds of each Boulevardier will be donated to the United States Bartender’s Guild.
Gold Coast Negroni at LUXBAR
The Gold Coast neighborhood LUXBAR {18 East Bellevue Place; 312.642.3400} has a take on this traditional drink that you must try: Campari Martin Miller gin, Punt E Mes, hard carved ice, and blood orange pâté with gold leaf. Sip it out on their patio for a relaxing afternoon, and know that it’s all going to a good cause. Proceeds from the drink benefit Misericordia Heart of Mercy.
Negroni Sbagliato at The Kitchen
One part sweet vermouth, one part Campari, and one part prosecco. A bartender’s mistake? We think not. The Kitchen {316 North Clark Street; 312.836.1300} puts their own bubbly twist on the Negroni this week, and the proceeds go to a very personal cause. This year, the drink benefits the Kitchen Community, a nonprofit organization started by The Kitchen founders Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk in 2004 to forge relationships in Chicago by building Learning Gardens in over 100 schools across Chicago and reaching over 65,000 kids.
Negroni Sgroppino at Lone Wolf Tavern (plus recipe!)
You’ll want to mark your territory on this one at Lone Wolf Tavern {806 West Randolph; 312.600.9391}! In an ice cream maker, combine 1 parts each Campari, Beefeater gin, and Cocchi Torino. Then add 2 parts water, 1/2 part orange juice, and a squeeze of lemon, and finish with 2 dashes Regan’s orange bitters. Freeze the cocktail in the ice cream maker. Serve a scoop of frozen cocktail mix in a coupe glass and top with prosecco. It’s perfect for the new warm weather.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post 8 Negronis to Drink for Negroni Week appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.