Negroni Week 2020: How The Negroni Got Its Name

Negroni Week | Negroni Week 2020 | Food For Thought

For many people, ordering a glass of Negroni comes second nature to being at a bar, but many probably do not know how the infamous cocktail got its name. The traditionally gin forward cocktail is known for its strength, but most importantly, its 3 ingredients, a London dry gin, a red vermouth and its key ingredient, Campari.

Campari Pour | Negroni Week 2020 | Food For Thought

The History Of The Negroni

It was around the year 1919 in Florence when Count Camillo Negroni contemplated ordering an Americano cocktail but decided it was time for a change. He requested it with a touch of gin instead of soda, inspired by his last trip to London and its prevalent gin scene. The bartender was pleased to honour Count Camillo Negroni’s request and added an orange garnish rather than the lemon wedge of the Americano to signify the new drink he had created. In Florence, the Count’s ‘usual’ became known as Count Negroni’s Americano, or the “Americano with a touch of gin”, but whatever it was referred to as back then, the Negroni was born.

Wholly Spirits | Negroni Week 2020 | Food For Thought

Negroni Week

Negroni Week is an international charity initiative started by Campari, Italy’s iconic red apéritif, and Imbibe Magazine 8 years ago. Each year, bartenders join forces to raise money for charity during Negroni Week, but with the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in bar and restaurant closures worldwide, Negroni Week will be shifting focus and format this year.

Negroni Week 2020 Media Launch (Kay Kim Koh) | Negroni Week 2020 | Food For Thought

Wholly Spirit Negroni

Wholly Spirits has come up with a local twist on the drink using Campari, The Botanist Gin and Cinzano 1757 Rosso vermouth, which are provided in one of the Negroni Weeks Sets on offer.

  • 25ml Campari
  • 25ml The Botanist Gin
  • 20ml Cinzano 1757 Rosso vermouth

Pour all ingredients directly into a low tumbler filled with ice. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice and serve.

Negroni Week Sets

For the duration of Negroni Week Wholly Spirits will also be selling 2 sets. Both Negroni Week Sets come with a complementary gift set.

Negroni Week Set A (With Cocktail Stirring Set) | Negroni Week 2020 | Food For Thought

Negroni Week Set A

  • 1 Campari
  • 1 Hendrick’s Gin
  • 1 Cinzano 1757 Rosso Vermouth

1 Cocktail Stirring Set (includes bar spoon with bottle opener, mixing glass and tumbler glass) OR
1 Cocktail Shaking Set (includes shaker can and cup, Hawthorne strainer and cocktail jigger)

Negroni Week Set B (With Cocktail Shaking Set) | Negroni Week 2020 | Food For Thought

Negroni Week Set B

  • 1 Campari
  • 1 The Botanist Gin
  • 1 Cinzano 1757 Rosso Vermouth

1 Cocktail Stirring Set (includes bar spoon with bottle opener, mixing glass and tumbler glass) OR
1 Cocktail Shaking Set (includes shaker can and cup, Hawthorne strainer and cocktail jigger)

To purchase, visit the Wholly Spirits Retail  store (Wisma CKL in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur), or online at the Wholly Spirits Online Retail Shop. The sets are available from now until September 20.


Wholly Spirits
41-G, Wisma CKL,
Jalan 23/70A,
Desa Sri Hartamas,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
+6012 580 5813
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 12.00 pm to 9.00 pm

| PHOTOHRAPHY: NZ PHANG | WEBSITE: WHOLLY SPIRITS |

Nicholas Ng

Nicholas Ng is a restaurant critic and drinks writer and is the editor of independent publication Food For Thought. He has been a freelance journalist for the 15 years and has previously worked as a lawyer and in digital marketing. He currently is the Principal Consultant of A Thought Full Consultancy, a food and beverage marketing consultancy.