There are some drinks that come and go with the times. And then there are drinks that seem to have been doing things just right all along.
The Negroni is one of those drinks. This Negroni Week, we’re raising a glass to one of the great classics, alongside our friends at Campari. And, because you can’t have a Negroni without Campari, we wanted to know a little more about the unmistakable ruby red spirit that has been at the heart of many a great tipple for more than a century.
Let’s start at the beginning, how did Campari come to be?
It all started back in 1860 when Gaspare Campari created his now famous red aperitivo in northern Italy. He was experimenting with herbs, spices and fruit infusions, looking for something completely unique, and ended up creating a recipe that’s become one of the most recognisable drinks!
There must be a few Campari stories that people don’t know…
One of my favourites is that Campari helped shape what we now think of as aperitivo culture.
In 1915, Davide Campari opened Camparino in Galleria, a bar in the heart of Milan that became a meeting place for artists, writers and creatives. It’s also where the ritual of enjoying a pre-dinner drink became part of everyday Italian life.
Campari has always had a strong relationship with culture and creativity. Where did that come from?
Creativity has been part of Campari’s DNA from the very beginning and long before most brands thought about advertising, Campari was collaborating with some of the world’s most influential artists, designers and filmmakers. From iconic posters by Leonetto Cappiello and Fortunato Depero to modern day partnerships in film, art and cocktail culture, Campari has always believed that great drinks and great creativity belong together.
Fast-forward to now… what does Campari look like today?
It’s incredible to think how far Campari has come. Today, it’s enjoyed in over 190 countries and can be found at the heart of some of the world’s most celebrated bars and cocktail menus. Yet despite its global reach, Campari remains unmistakably Italian, synonymous with aperitivo culture, creativity and timeless cocktails. More than 160 years on, it’s still bringing people together and inspiring bartenders and drinkers around the world.
Campari is at the heart of some pretty iconic cocktails. Why do you think it has stood the test of time?
I think it’s because there is nothing else quite like it. Campari’s bittersweet flavour brings balance, complexity and character to cocktails, be it an American, Negroni or Boulevardier. Trends come and go, but drinks with a distinctive taste, and a great story tend to stick around!
And finally, what is Campari doing beyond the bottle?
One thing we’re really proud of is Negroni Week. Every year, bars across the globe come together to celebrate the Negroni while raising money for Slow Food, a charity that’s working to build a fairer and more sustainable food and beverage world. The funds raised support everything from hospitality education and sustainability initiatives to community-led projects that help the industry thrive.
Slow Food shares our Italian heritage and our belief that food and drink have the power to bring people together and create positive change, so it was a natural fit!
So, that leads us perfectly onto Negroni Week at Blacklock
From 21–27 September, we’ll be stirring Negronis at Blacklock as part of Negroni Week, in collaboration with our friends at Campari.
We’ll have the classic, alongside a few of our own takes on the great bitter-sweet beauty. And for every Negroni served during the week, 50p will be donated to Slow Food.
Negroni Week Negroni
Beefeater Gin, Coffee, Campari, house vermouth blend & Pedro Ximenez
Classic Negroni
Beefeater Gin, Campari, Scarpa Rosso
Nogroni
Everleaf Marine Aperitif, Botivo, Roots Divino Rosso & Wavelength Aperitif
Twisted Negroni
Roll the dice to create your own twist on the classic and see what faith has in store for you.
Will it be mezcal, rum or a wild card?
Book Negroni Week Here