Where to enjoy Toronto's Negroni Week
Over 90 bars and restaurants across Toronto will be participating in Negroni Week. We've rounded up our fave venues that will be creating their own spin on the classic cocktail.
Superpoint
184 Ossington Ave.
Campari will be taking over Ossington pizzeria Superpoint for Negroni Week. In addition to serving the Negroni (which combines Campari, gin and sweet red vermouth), an on-site gift shop will be selling limited edition Campari art prints, t-shirts and exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces, with proceeds from every item going to charity. The official hub for the event will host star bartenders from across the city on June 9 and 10, all showcasing their twists on the classic cocktail during patio pizza parties where guests will get a free slice with every Negroni purchased.
Mahjong Bar
1276 Dundas St W.
The secret may be well and truly out for Mahjong Bar, the hidden watering hole lurking behind a pink snack bar on Dundas West – but the bar's growing popularity won't stop us heading there for libations and Chinese small plates. This week, we have another reason to visit. In addition to the Umeboshi Soda (grapefruit, salted plum and Topo Chico Soda), Tropic Thunder (coconut soaked rum, pandan, lime and pineapple) and other cocktails on the menu, they'll be shaking up Negronis in the dimly lit speakeasy.
La Palma
849 Dundas St W.
Since Craig Harding (Campagnolo) and Alexandra Hutchison teamed up to open La Palma last year, it's consistently ranked in the top ten on lists of Toronto's best restaurants– and for good reason. The Italian-meets-Venice-Beach vibe, a deliciously diverse menu and an exciting cocktail menu has made the Trinity-Bellwoods spot an instant hit. Their take on the Negroni sees Luxardo Bianco, Dolin Dry Vermouth and prosecco mixed with lemon oils for a light and crisp aperitivo. "When something 'wrong' tastes right," reads the menu – consider us converted. A special Negroni-inspired menu will be served at all Mercatto restaurants, Constantine, Campagnolo and La Palma during Negroni Week.
Rosalinda
133 Richmond St W.
Toronto got a new Mexican vegan spot last month from Grant van Gameren and the team behind Pizza Libretto. Rosalinda – an airy 163-seat restaurant that uses mostly vegan material to decorate the space – serves small vegetarian plates, tostadas and a delicious-looking black-bean Rosaburger. The Richmond St. eatery serves plenty of mocktails and low-alcohol cocktails (their sparkly, pastel pink Rosa Margarita mixes up the classic with a salt strip up the side of the glass instead of around the rim), but this week they will be adding a Negroni to the mix.
Walrus Pub and Beer Hall
187 Bay St.
Walrus Pub and Beer Hall is the latest opening from the Donnelly Group, the people behind Toronto favourites Belfast Love and Death and Taxes. Their go-to-cocktail is usually the martini (the restaurant offers over 24 iterations of the drink developed specifically by beverage director Trevor Kallies and has a dedicated Ivory Bar). However, there is a Negroni on the menu, which combines beefeater gin, campari, dolin sweet vermouth and orange zest – and whatever spin they put on it this week.
Drake Commissary
128a Sterling Rd, Toronto.
If you don't feel like making the trek downtown to grab a cocktail, the Drake Commissary in the Junction is one of the many venues participating in Negroni Week. The 8,000 square foot space has a restaurant, bakery and larder as well as the Commissary Bar, which serves a selection of cocktails including the Ginger Rogers, featuring Lot 40 whisky. Grab their twist on the Negroni this week and if the sun makes an appearance, you can even enjoy it from the patio out front.
