You can’t say ‘no’ to a Negroni.
The classic Negroni recipe was apparently invented at Caffè Casoni in Florence, Italy, when Count Camillo Negroni asked for a bolder version of the Americano cocktail with gin replacing soda water. With equal parts Campari, gin and sweet vermouth, this short, ruby-toned cocktail is now appearing on many bar menus.
From 13-19 September, bars across the globe are celebrating this red-hued cocktail that’s nearly as bitter as me after paying my rent. So, if you do fancy venturing out for a swig of this well-known Italian cocktail here is our list of the bars in Glasgow serving an epic Negroni.
1. Metropolitan Bar
You can choose from an array of cocktails at Metropolitan Bar and their Negroni is a bittersweet sensation. The bar uses Bombay Sapphire as their gin of choice and has orange zest stirred into the mix for plenty of zestiness. Plus, as well as enjoying a Negroni, you can enjoy the fact that Metropolitan allows you to tuck into two tasty courses for £12, Sunday to Thursday. Win, win!
Metropolitan Bar, Merchant Square, 60 Candleriggs, G1 1LE
2. The Citizen
At The Citizen, you can choose from five different versions of a Negroni. Yes, five! Choose from Classic, Umeshu with plum sake, Crystal Clear with citrus and floral liquer, Italicas. You can even swap out the gin for mezcal or enjoy fruity, strawberry flavoured variation using both strawberry-infused gin and Campari. Talk about decisions, decisions.
The Citizen, 24 St Vincent Place, G1 2EU
3. The Finnieston
The Finnieston is not just for seafood, but Negronis too. Enjoy five different versions of the classic for one week only as this bar on Argyle Street has created a special menu dedicated to this Italian drink. Sip on one of their creations and pretend you’re in Florence, and after trying all five variations you may just believe it.
The Finnieston, 1125 Argyle Street, G3 8ND
4. Gin 71
At Gin 71, you can select a classic Negroni or create your own by picking your gin, aperitivo (different flavoured Campari or Aperol) and vermouth. The bar also offers variations of the classic such as a savoury or spiced one. If you prefer whisky rather than gin, try the Boulevardier, which is bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth. There is a citrus variation using Italian grapefruit gin, Malfy Rosa, with Aperol, as well as a fruity one using Pilgrim’s blueberry and basil gin.
Gin71, 71 Renfield Street, G2 1LP
4 Virginia Court, G1 1TN
5. The Gardener
Treat yourself a glass of citrus smoked Negroni at The Gardener. Plus, this gorgeous bar on Ashton Lane serves one of the cheapest Negronis in the city at £7.95, but cheap or not, you want be disappointed by the botanical ingredients they use in the drink.
The Gardener, 24 Ashton Lane, G12 8SJ
6. Porter and Rye
Not exactly a Negroni but for all you Bourbon whisky lovers out there, you can enjoy an alternative to the gin glassic. Order a Boulevardier, which includes Bulleit Bourbon, Antica vermouth and Campari for just £8. It’s also a neighbour of The Finnieston, so you can even do a Negroni crawl down Argyle Street.
Porter & Rye, 1131 Argyle Street, G3 8ND
7. Tabac
At Tabac, they love a bit of vermouth in their cocktails. One of their cocktails close to a Negroni is called ‘The Angoli Gangster’, priced at £9. The drink is equal parts of Cocchi Americano vermouth, Sipsmith sloe gin, Aperol and olive brine. Don’t be put off by the brine as it gives the drink a little tang.
Tabac, 10 Mitchell Lane, G1 3NU