10 places to sip your way through Negroni Week in Dubai

Bitter, boozy and ready for a very good week

Three ingredients, one orange peel and absolutely no need for an introduction. The Negroni has been holding its own for over a century, and for one week, it gets the drinks menu all to itself. Negroni Week in Dubai is bringing classics, one-off pours and some very good reasons to order another round. If you like yours bitter, boozy and ice cold, these are the places to know.

ROKA

ROKA is taking the Negroni in a very Japanese direction this week. Four limited-edition serves are on the menu, starting with the tropical Passion in Rome, followed by the Nigori Negroni with miso butter-infused gin and grilled corn Campari. Shiro Goma mixes sesame-infused whisky with banana wine, Campari and Cynar, while the Melon Negroni brings sake and Japanese melon liqueur into the mix. Definitely not your standard Negroni order.

Where: ROKA Dubai, The Opus, Business Bay
When: September 21 to 27
Cost: From Dhs65
Contact: @rokarestaurant.dxb

Chic Nonna

Can’t decide what kind of Negroni drinker you are? Chic Nonna is making a case for trying all three. For Negroni Week in Dubai, the DIFC Italian spot is pouring three takes on the classic: the original with gin, vermouth and bitter aperitif; a richer Chocolate Negroni; and a Coconut Negroni with maraschino and coconut for something a little different. Each one is Dhs50, so pick your personality – Classic, Indulgent or Escapist – or work your way through the lot.

Where: Chic Nonna, DIFC
When: September 21 to 27, from 12pm onwards
Cost: Dhs50 per cocktail
Contact: @chicnonnadubai

Amelia

Amelia is stretching Negroni Week out a little longer, with three versions pouring until the end of September. You can keep things classic with Campari, London Dry Gin and sweet vermouth, or go off-script with the Coco Picante Negroni, mixing coconut-washed Campari with Sichuan pepper-infused gin. The third, Himitsu Rojo, gets even more unexpected with strawberry and tomato bringing a fruity, savoury edge to the usual mix. All three are Dhs69, giving you time to find a favourite.

Where: Amelia Dubai, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai
When: September 21 to 30, from 7pm onwards
Cost: Dhs69 per cocktail
Contact: @amelia.dubai

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Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish is giving its Negronis a one-week-only run with Vanishing Crimson, a trio inspired by the way the colour red disappears underwater. On the menu, there’s a Tropical Negroni with rum, pineapple and spices; Lampone with gin, fruity wine and raspberry; and La Musa, which brings black cardamom and coffee into the gin and Campari mix. They’re Dhs40 each and, true to the name, they disappear from the menu after September 27.

Where: Sexy Fish Dubai, Innovation One, DIFC
When: September 21 to 27, 12pm to 2am
Cost: Dhs40 each
Contact: @sexyfishdxb

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Anantara The Palm is taking Negroni Week across three different experiences this year. The Lotus Lounge is starting things off with a Negroni-inspired afternoon tea, pairing sweet and savoury bites with cocktails, zero-proof versions and bubbly. Then come the guest takeovers: Akash and Myo from MAYTA step behind the bar at The Lotus Lounge on September 26, followed by Slaven Macura at Mekong on September 27, each putting their own spin on the Italian classic.

Where: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Palm Jumeirah

When: September 21 to 27; afternoon tea daily, 2pm to 7pm; guest takeovers September 26, 7pm to 11pm and September 27, 8pm to 11pm

Cost: Afternoon tea from Dhs220 per person

Contact: @anantaradubai

Zenon

Zenon is going all in for Negroni Week in Dubai with five limited-edition takes on the classic. There’s Tropical with kumquat-infused gin, pineapple, Campari and red vermouth; Spiced Mango with Thai chilli-infused gin; and a Matcha version for something a little more unexpected. Berry & Basil brings lemongrass, berries and fresh basil into the mix, while the Smoked Coffee swaps gin for mezcal and adds coffee-infused vermouth. Prices start from Dhs75, so Negroni fans have a fair bit to work their way through.

Where: Zenon, Kempinski Central Avenue, Downtown Dubai
When: September 21 to 27
Cost: From Dhs75 per cocktail
Contact: @zenondubai

The Guild

Things are getting hands-on at The Guild this Negroni Week. Aviary is hosting a one-night masterclass where Bar Manager Jefersson Anzola will take the group through a few classics, some more modern pours and the story behind the famous three-part cocktail. Once you know the rules, you get to break them: the night ends with a Mystery Box Challenge, where surprise ingredients are handed over and you create a Negroni of your own. Only 12 seats are up for grabs.

Where: Aviary at The Guild, ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
When: September 22, 8pm to 10pm
Cost: Dhs250 per person
Contact: @theguilddubai

ZEA

One Negroni, chef’s bites on the side – ZEA is keeping things straightforward this year. Throughout Negroni Week, its Signature Negroni is Dhs75 and comes with a complimentary selection of bites from the kitchen. A nice little bonus if a drink after work is on the cards, especially for the DIFC crowd.

Where: ZEA, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC
When: September 21 to 27, daily
Cost: Dhs75, including complimentary chef’s bites
Contact: @zea.dubai

Bungalo34

Bungalo34 is taking Negroni Week to the beach with a five-drink menu that sticks around well beyond the week itself. The OG keeps things classic, while Paradiso goes tropical with rum and banana, and Mejicano mixes mezcal with pistachio and coconut. There’s also a Sbagliato finished with a Champagne cloud and a coffee-based zero-proof option. The menu launches on September 25 with a DJ from 12pm and runs all the way through to October 14.

Where: Bungalo34, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira
When: September 25 to October 14; launch on September 25 from 12pm
Cost: From Dhs48
Contact: @bungalo34

Hawkerboi

Hawkerboi is bringing a little East Asian flavour to the Negroni for the week. Alongside the classic Bombay Gin, Campari and sweet vermouth serve, Ume Kuro brings dark plum and umeshu into the mix, while Kelapa Pisang plays with toasted coconut, sherry and banana. Can’t pick one? There’s a tasting flight of all three in smaller serves for Dhs109 – probably the most fun way to do this one.

Where: Hawkerboi, The Park, JLT
When: September 21 to 27
Cost: Dhs70 per cocktail; Dhs109 for the Negroni tasting
Contact: @hawker.boi

Amaru Restaurant & Lounge

Amaru is putting three very different Negronis side by side for the week. Its Dhs249 tasting flight starts with the classic, before heading into Latin territory with the Negroni Latino, made with banana and tropical flavours. The Peated Negroni takes things in the opposite direction, adding Islay single malt for a smokier finish. There’ll also be live tango and salsa performances if you want to make a night of it.

Where: Amaru Restaurant & Lounge, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
When: September 21 to 27
Cost: Dhs249 for the Negroni flight
Contact: @amaru.dubai

Images: Provided