Negronis can be a polarizing drink. Beautiful but bitter, it’s been around for over 100 years (if you believe the legend). Built over ice and garnished with an orange peel, this Italian cocktail is traditionally a mix of gin, Campari, and vermouth. Some of Kansas City’s local bars are taking this aperitif to the next level to support Slow Food International, as part of the official annual Negroni Week. Here’s our list of the best spots to love on this staple.
Tom’s Town
Tom’s Town is bringing back their favorite negroni creation—the Nelly Don—named after local legend Nell Quinlan Donnelly Reed, who founded a garment company responsible for many of the women’s uniforms (and all of the men’s underwear) for the US military during World War II. The drink is made with Tom’s Town Botanical Gin, Lillet Rouge, Lillet Blanc, Cappelletti, and Campari.
Rye
With two locations, Rye is doubling the negroni fun. Leawood has a standard negroni, along with their Molto Amaro Negroni, Negroni Bianco, and Tequroni (made with tequila). The Plaza location is serving up Barrel #7, made with Exotico Blanco Tequila and Xila Liqueur de Agave.
Goat & Rabbit
Taking part in the official Negroni Week, Goat & Rabbit has both a classic and a white negroni to enjoy—made with local Lifted Spirits Bold Gin.
Afterword Tavern
It’s a Friday pop-up! Featuring Builder’s Gin from Restless Spirits, Afterword Tavern is showcasing a new strawberry-infused negroni to end the week.
The Primrose
The Primrose is matching 25 percent of all tips during Negroni Week to donate to Slow Food International. Support your bartenders, support the cause. Simple!
The Campground
Known for negronis year-round, The Campground is a don’t-miss this week with several options. Try the famed, bubbly Negroni Sbagliato, their house negroni featuring the Campground Red Aperitivo Blend, the White Negroni, or an Orange Negroni with High Elevation Mezcal.
Wild Child
Non-alcoholics can hop on the negroni train at Wild Child with their alcohol-free negroni. Yay, science!
Jasper’s
Celebrate the negroni with food and drink at Jasper’s—a negroni cannoli you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Drinks include the classic negroni, a blood orange negroni, and a negroni sour (among others). An Italian drink at an Italian restaurant!
J. Rieger and Co.
Classic and creative negroni-inspired cocktails are coming out of J Rieger’s Monogram Lounge all week.
Percheron
A new take on an old traditional? Yes, please. The Crossroads Hotel rooftop bar is bringing peach negronis to the table.
Verdigris Bar
Another win for the no-alcohol crowd. Verdigris Bar’s “No-Groni” is made with Bare NA gin, Giffard Aperitif, and Verjus Rouge.