Cheers to Negroni Week

A classic version from VOX Table (courtesy of VOX Table)

Even the most churlish among us sometimes gets the urge to splash around in the Fontana di Trevi. But since our travel budget is limited to weekends in Kyle, an ice cube splash in a cocktail usually has to do. This week, that weekly ritual could turn into a big payday for a local charity. Hold onto your Vespa, it’s Negroni Week.

The annual celebration, sponsored by Campari and Imbibe Magazine, asks drinkeries to pony up at least a buck for every Negroni sold during the week to a charity of their choice. To date, that effort has raised more than $120,000 for all sorts of great causes. That's not chump change, but y’all can do much better than that. Again this year, Campari is donating an extra $10,000 to the bar or restaurant that raises the most money. Last years’ winner was in Dallas. It’s time to bring the cash home.

The classic version combines gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, but there will be plenty of new twists around town this week, including draft Negronis at Italic, a mezcal version at the Tigress, an Aperol Negroni at the Hightower,a rum adaptation at VOX Table, and a smoky riff at the W Austin’s Living Room Bar.

The full list of area participants is available at the website, which is a very long list indeed. The website's search functionality isn't exactly keeping up with the influx of new bars and restaurants (the number appears to have almost tripled in a year). Patience is always a virtue when it comes to finding a good Negroni.

Negroni Week runs Monday-Sunday, June 1-7.