Seven days and umpteen ways to celebrate one of the world’s most famous cocktails – starting with an exclusive launch party at The House on Sathorn
BANGKOK’S hottest bars will join forces this month to pay homage to one of Italy’s most famous tipples – the world-conquering Negroni. From June 6 – 12, participating venues in Bangkok and key cities around the world will be mixing Negronis and donating a portion of proceeds from each one sold to charity. The annual initiative, established in 2013 by Imbibe magazine and sponsored since 2014 by Campari, has been a huge success – last year more than 3,500 venues around the world mixed their favourite Negroni variations and raised over $320,000 for charitable causes – and this year looks set to be even better, with even more bars signing up for the cause. Here in Bangkok, the event is being organized by Independent Wine & Spirit (Thailand) Company Limited (IWS) to raise funds for Operation Smile Thailand, a not-for-profit, volunteer medical services organization that provides reconstructive facial surgery to indigent children and young adults. Campari will once again act as presenting sponsor, donating $10,000 to the charity chosen by the bar/restaurant that raises the most money during Negroni Week. Fittingly for a cocktail whose origins can be traced back to Florence 1919, when Count Negroni inadvertently invented the Negroni by asking for a slug of gin in an Americano in place of soda (with wonderfully refreshing results!), the week-long event will be launched in style with an exclusive party at The House on Sathorn, next to W Bangkok Hotel. |
Composed of a residence and hotel, restaurant, and exclusive club lounge, the newly revived 126-year-old colonial mansion offers a unique dining and entertainment experience guided by its stunning neo-classic architecture and design. Blending vibrancy with old-world charm, it perfectly embodies the spirit of Negroni – a serious drink for serious drinkers who have distinguished palates.
In charge of libations at the bar is Head Mixologist Michele Montauti, an Italian national who says that Negroni is not only his favourite cocktail to drink, but also to make.
“With its blend of sweet, floral and bitter flavours, the Negroni is the cocktail ambassador of Italy,” he says. “Really, we Italians love Campari and use it in all kinds of cocktails, but Negroni is certainly the one that has caught the imagination of drinkers all around the world – a true icon of Italian style and excellence.”
Michele’s signature take on Negroni uses slightly less gin in the mix so that the flavours of Campari and Vermouth are enhanced. The results are crisp, complex, not-too-sweet, strong and refreshing. Cooled with a large ice ball which takes a long time to melt, the concoction is meant to be sipped and savored – a nice long drink perfect for any occasion.
“For a taste of Italian drinking culture in Bangkok, Negroni Week is as authentic as it gets,” says Michele, who can pour perfect measurements straight from the bottle. “This is my first year taking part, and I can’t wait to showcase my take on the classic cocktail.”
Featured over the next few pages are just some of the other great bars taking part in this worthy initiative. For more details about what’s on offer at The House on Sathorn, visit thehouseonsathorn.com.
106 North Sathorn Rd., Silom. 02 344 4000. thehouseonsathorn.com
In charge of libations at the bar is Head Mixologist Michele Montauti, an Italian national who says that Negroni is not only his favourite cocktail to drink, but also to make.
“With its blend of sweet, floral and bitter flavours, the Negroni is the cocktail ambassador of Italy,” he says. “Really, we Italians love Campari and use it in all kinds of cocktails, but Negroni is certainly the one that has caught the imagination of drinkers all around the world – a true icon of Italian style and excellence.”
Michele’s signature take on Negroni uses slightly less gin in the mix so that the flavours of Campari and Vermouth are enhanced. The results are crisp, complex, not-too-sweet, strong and refreshing. Cooled with a large ice ball which takes a long time to melt, the concoction is meant to be sipped and savored – a nice long drink perfect for any occasion.
“For a taste of Italian drinking culture in Bangkok, Negroni Week is as authentic as it gets,” says Michele, who can pour perfect measurements straight from the bottle. “This is my first year taking part, and I can’t wait to showcase my take on the classic cocktail.”
Featured over the next few pages are just some of the other great bars taking part in this worthy initiative. For more details about what’s on offer at The House on Sathorn, visit thehouseonsathorn.com.
106 North Sathorn Rd., Silom. 02 344 4000. thehouseonsathorn.com
Negroni Sour
at Sorrento Sathorn
By Pongpak Sudthipongse INGREDIENTS • 30ml Gin • 20ml Campari • 20ml Cinzano Vermouth Rosso • 10ml Rhubarb Syrup • 10ml Lemon Juice • 15ml Egg white CHOSEN CHARITY The Education for Development Foundation Sorrento Sathorn, 73 Sathorn Rd., Sathorn 10. 02 234 9933. |
La Regina Rossa at Belle’s Room By Supharat Thongmeesuk INGREDIENTS • 45ml Rum • 20ml Campari • 15ml Quince Syrup • 10ml Lime Juice • 2 Dash Angostura Bitter CHOSEN CHARITY Home for Disabled Babies (Bann Fuengfah). Belle’s Room, 981 Silom Rd. 02 630 1998 |
Queen of Negroni
at Rabbit Hole
By Suwincha Singsuwan INGREDIENTS • 15ml London Dry Gin • 15ml Port Wine • 30ml Campari • 30ml Cinzano Rosso Vermouth • 2 dash Peach Bitter CHOSEN CHARITY Seub Nakhasathien Foundation. Rabbit Hole, 125 Thonglor Sukhumvit 55. 098 969 1335. |
Charlie’s Barrel-aged Negroni at Vesper By Wareewan Yodkamol INGREDIENTS • 1 part Campari • 1 part London Dry Gin • 1 part Cinzano Rosso • Top milk foam CHOSEN CHARITY The Thai Red Cross Society. Vesper, 10/15 Convent Road, Silom Rd. 02 235 2777. |
New York Negroni
At U.N.C.L.E
By Philip Stefanescu INGREDIENTS • 30ml Bourbon • 15ml Cinzano Vermouth Rosso • 15ml Campari • 30ml Lemon • 15ml simple syrup • 20ml Egg white CHOSEN CHARITY Wat Prok Temple. U.N.C.L.E, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55. 02 635 0406. |
Earthbeet at Backstage Cocktail Bar By Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn INGREDIENT • 20ml Beetroot infused Blanco Tequila • 20ml Cinzano Vermouth Rosso • 10ml Campari • 10ml Artichoke liqueur • 10ml Mezcal CHOSEN CHARITY Foundation for Children (Phutthamonthon Sai 4). Backstage Cocktail Bar, 205/22-23 Playhaus hotel Sukhumvit Soi 55. 061 519 5891 |