Delightful ways to celebrate Negroni Week, cheers to the classic cocktail

It’s Negroni Week and this annual celebration is the perfect way to toast the iconic cocktail on its 100th birthday. Is your cocktail shaker ready?

If you haven’t discovered the Negroni cocktail, Negroni week is the perfect time to fall in love with this classic cocktail. This year marks the 100th birthday of the Italian cocktail. With so many restaurants, bars and spirits brands celebrating the iconic drink, isn’t it time for you to raise a glass?

The Negroni dates back to 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni invented the cocktail. The story says that the Count asked for the bartender to replace his soda water with gin and the beloved cocktail was born.

Over the past 100 years, the classic cocktail has seen many iterations. From changing the type of gin to adding boldly flavored mixers, it is one of the world’s most popular cocktails.

From June 24 through June 30, it is Negroni Week. During this annual celebration, bars and restaurants join forces to celebrate both the cocktail and to raise funds for charity. By joining the celebration, various establishments pledge a portion of a cocktail’s proceeds to charity.

According to the website, over 12,000 venues are participating in this year’s celebration. In Chicago alone, 56 bars and restaurants have joined the festivities.

While there are so many fun and exciting ways to celebrate the Negroni, FoodSided has selected a few ideas that appealed to us. Here’s how we will be celebrating the 100th birthday of the classic cocktail.

Caffè Umbria Negroni Week Blend, photo provided by Caffè Umbria

Caffè Umbria Negroni Week Blend

If you love the flavors of a Negroni, this coffee is a perfect way to celebrate that cocktail anytime. The Seattle-based artisan coffee roaster, Caffè Umbria created this special blend for the annual celebration.

The coffee offers a full-bodied blend. According to Master Roaster Emanuele Bizzarri, the coffee “captures the essence and taste of this iconic and familiar cocktail – bitter, sweet, herbaceous and citrusy.” Now, you can enjoy those classic Negroni flavor anytime, any day.

The Negroni Week Blend 12-ounce bags retail for $15 and five pound bags are $85. The coffee will be available through July 31. A dollar from each bag sold will be donated to No Kid Hungry.

Martini Negroni

This riff on a classic Negroni gets a boost of flavor from the bitters. While slightly herbaceous, it is a great way to discover a love of the classic cocktail.

Here’s how to make a Martini Negroni

"Martini NegroniIngredients:• 1 oz. Bombay Sapphire• ¾ oz. Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter• ¾ oz. Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Rubino• Orange wedgeMethod:Stir and strain on ice. Garnish with an orange wedge."

Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Located in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s is always a popular Chicago summer hangout. For this year’s celebration, Cindy’s will be mixing up Queen of Hearts. This cocktail features, Rum, Brandy, Campari and Cocchi di Torino. The cocktail benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

White Negroni by Botanist Gin, photo provided by Botanist Gin

White Negroni

While a classic Negroni is associated with its bright color, this version is virtually clear. The combination of Italian bitters and sweet vermouth will have you forgetting about the bright, orange Campari.

Here’s how to make a White Negroni

"White Negroni by Botanist GinIngredients:· The Botanist Gin—1oz· Italian Bitters—1oz· Sweet Vermouth—1ozMethod:Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice then stir. Strain into a Rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with an Orange Twist."

Are you celebrating Negroni Week? Share you best places, tips and photos with us by tagging #FoodSided on social media.