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 Liverpool serving an epic Negroni.
1. Belzan
Head out of Liverpool city centre and enjoy a refreshing Negroni at Belzan. The Toxteth restaurant serves up the classic Italian cocktail alongside delicious seasonal plates such as braised rabbit lasagne or salt cod tarts with gooseberry and chive. This neighbourhood bistro serves humble dishes and a humble Negroni featuring Amaro Montenegro, which is made from a secret blend of 40 botanicals, including vanilla, orange peels and eucalyptus, as opposed to the usual Campari.
Belzan, 371 Smithdown Road, L15 3JJ
2. Mrs Blodgets
Step into this historic Liverpool guest house which brings plenty of elegance, boutique rooms and a cocktail menu to rival many bars in the city. Sit back in one of the luxurious booths at Mrs Blodgets Guest House, which are surrounded by antiques giving a nod to the building’s pastwhilst you sip on unbelievable cocktails, including a good ol’ Negroni. You’ll find fun spins on classic cocktails like ‘Nathaniel’s Negroni’, which is a mix of Bloody Shiraz gin, Pampelle (a ruby red grapefruit aperitif), Lillet Blanc (a white wine based aperitif ) and a touch of sage.
Mrs Blodget’s Guest House, 151-155 Duke Street, L1 4JR
3. Abditory
Defined as a concealed location used for storage or to hide items, Abditory is a gorgeous bar tucked away on Queen Avenue. To celebrate Negroni Week, the Liverpool bar has created a special Sipsmith menu featuring five different variations of a Negroni. Choose from the likes of classic; coffee; rose; lemon and elderflower; and chocolate orange, which are available from September 15 onwards and you can buy two Negronis for £15.
Abditory, Lower Ground B, 22 Queen Avenue, L2 4TZ
4. Mamasan
Amongst an array of mouthwatering cocktails, Mamasan serves up a refreshing sparkling blood orange Negroni. The pan-Asian restaurant mixes together blood orange gin, sweet vermouth and Campari to create bitter yet juicy variation of the cocktail. Add in Thai chicken and prawn tacos, char sui Iberico pork bao buns and oodles of noodles and you’ve got yourself a feast. Or why not head up to their rooftop terrace for a post-work or weekend Negroni?
Mamasan, Liverpool One, 24 College Lane, L1 3DS
5. Dwntwn
Fancy a Negroni with a side of disco? Head to Dwntwn, one of Liverpool’s newest cocktail bars which offers up a unique underground cocktail experience. Boasting impressive décor and spacious chesterfield booths, with a soundtrack of disco and house music it’s a top destination to sip on a Negroni in style and switch off for the weekend. Dwntwn’s Negroni is classic yet stylish as it features Brooklyn gin, Campari and vermouth with a beautifully-cut orange peel twist.
Dwntwn, 11-17 Harrington Street, L2 9QA
6. Café Tabac
Established in 1974, Café Tabac has always been a hub for the creative residents of Liverpool, attracting artists, actors, singers and performers amongst its varied and colourful clientele, so it goes without saying that it sure knows how to mix the perfect Negroni. The little café on Bold Street serves up classic cocktails as well as a few variations such as ‘Scouse & Stormy’ but be sure to also head here for a Negroni. Sip on this ruby-hued cocktail at Café Tabac and you’ll feel like you’re in another artsy European city.
Café Tabac, 126 Bold Street, L1 4JA
7. Petit Café du Coin
Serving wine, cheese, coffee and cocktails to the people of Liverpool, Petit Café du coin is French style café bar which hosts live jazz nights. Located in Liverpool’s Chinatown, Petit Café serves up a classic Negroni featuring Tanqueraygin , Martini Rubino vermouth and Campari. However, if you’re looking to shake up your Negroni a little, order the café bar’s white peach Negroni which is a blend of gin, Qin Qin Peche, Suze and peach bitters.
Petit Café du Coin, 60 Berry Street, L1 4JQ
8. Maray
Maray is a big favourite with the people of Liverpool hence why it has three branches- Albert Dock, Allerton and Bold Street. The restaurant serves food inspired by the flavours of the Middle East alongside incredible wine and bold, delicious cocktails including their Negroni. Maray blends pineapple infused Campari, dry gin and sweet vermouth together and garnishes it with a torched orange slice. According to Maray, it bangs. And we couldn’t agree more.
Maray, 91 Bold Street, L1 4HF
57 Allerton Road, L18 2DA
Unit 4, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4AD