The Negroni is one of the world’s perfect summer cocktails. It's drinkable in spite of its complex Campari-driven flavors, and it's a cinch to pull together—the traditional recipe is just Campari, gin, and vermouth. Plus, most importantly, it packs a potent alcoholic wallop.
This first full week in June happens to be Negroni Week—an ideal time to toast to the drink’s merits.
Now through June 8, bars across the country are pledging a dollar or more from each cocktail sold to a charity of their choosing. We sorted through the participating Chicago bars and found seven specials worth sipping, each benefitting a different cause.
Here's where to go get some fine cocktails—you know, out of the goodness of your heart.
2 Sparrows
553 W. Diversey Pkwy., Lincoln Park, 773-234-2320
The Negroni: Earl of Negroni (Earl Grey-infused North Shore Gin #11, Campari, sweet vermouth, orange syrup)
The cause: Greater Chicago Food Depository
Ada Street
1664 N. Ada St., Bucktown, 773-697-7069
The Negroni: Junipero gin, Cocchi Americano, Campari, house-made grapefruit bitters
The cause: Urban Gateways
Analogue
2523 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square, 773-904-8567
The Negroni: Sloe Ride (Dolin Blanc, Campari, sloe gin, Peychaud’s bitters)
The cause: Girls Rock! Chicago
Celeste
111 W. Hubbard, River North, 312-828-9000
The Negroni: Beefeater Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth
The cause: Doctors Without Borders
Ceres’ Table
3124 N. Broadway, Lake View, 773-922-4020
The Negroni: The Lazy Hitman (Ford’s Gin, Solerno blood orange liqueur, Carpano Bianco, Campari, Regans’ orange bitters, blood orange garnish)
The cause: Lakeview Pantry
Nico Osteria
1015 N. Rush St., Gold Coast, 312-994-7100
The Negroni: Beefeater gin, Campari, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, served on a giant piece of ice from Just Ice
The cause: un86’d
Twisted Spoke
501 N. Ogden Ave., West Town, 312-666-1500
The Negroni: Twisted Negroni (Tanqueray, Antica sweet vermouth, Campari, sparkling blood orange soda, clementine twist)
The cause: Trio Animal Foundation