Celebrating the 13th Annual Negroni Week 2025: A Deep Dive into Cocktails and Community

Words: Wariya Intreyonk, Photos: Courtesies

Thailand once again embraced the vibrant celebration of Negroni Week, held from 22 to 28 September. This year, the event was a spectacular affair, hosted by Campari in collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, and Alchemy Thailand, marking the prestigious 13th annual Negroni Week Opening Night. The evening shimmered with elegance, featuring the talented guest bartender Simone Caporale, widely recognised as a trailblazer in modern mixology. His stellar career includes an impressive five-time accolade as the No.1 on The World's 50 Best Bars, solidifying his status as a luminary in the cocktail world.

Attendees were treated to a sensory delight as Simone showcased his remarkable cocktail creations, each glass telling its own story. Beyond the exquisite beverages, the event carried a noble purpose; every penny raised went directly to Slow Food, the charitable organisation dedicated to fostering a more sustainable food system. The sophisticated ambience of Caleō provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of purposeful enjoyment.

This year, the participating bars and restaurants proudly displayed their creative interpretations of the classic Negroni, transforming this timeless cocktail into a celebration of flavour and artistry. The event was further energised by a series of guest shifts featuring talented mixologists from Thailand and around the globe.

Notable highlights included Chanond Purananda, a legendary figure in Thai bar culture, who showcased his skills at the elegant Stella Bar. From Indonesia, the inventive Fabri Dumellio took over the bustling Ruby's Bar, captivating patrons with his unique twists on traditional recipes. The dynamic duo of Abby Quilalan and Ken Bandiva from the Philippines brought their vibrant flair to Firefly Bar, where they crafted drinks infused with innovative, locally sourced ingredients.

Jane Kaew-yod added her personal touch at the upscale Red Sky Bar, skillfully blending flavours that delighted the senses. Meanwhile, Dennis Thurner brought his expertise to the chic Nova Social Club, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. The Penthouse Bar and Grill welcomed Hong Kong's Amir Javiad, who served up cocktails that elevated the experience to new heights. Finally, Naitik Saraf and Dharanbir Chetri from India impressed guests at Rabbit Hole, showcasing a fusion of tastes that highlighted their cultural heritage.

Each of these talented bartenders not only contributed their unique styles but also infused the event with an exciting spirit of collaboration and innovation, making it a remarkable celebration of the beloved Negroni.

On 28 September, the delightful Negroni Week Brunch took place at the elegant Attico Cucina Italiana within the Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok. This culinary celebration invited food and drink enthusiasts to savour a lavish international buffet, featuring a diverse array of gourmet dishes that tantalised the palate. Complementing the exquisite spread was a selection of free-flowing Campari cocktails, meticulously crafted by the talented Campari Red Hands—some of Thailand's most skilled bartenders known for their creativity and flair. The event was not only a feast for the senses but also a noble cause, as all proceeds from ticket sales were generously donated to The Foundation for the Deaf under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, making every sip and bite a contribution to a meaningful initiative.

In 2024, the spirit of Negroni Week continued to flourish, with over 13,000 bars and restaurants across nearly 90 countries participating in this global celebration. The enthusiastic participation yielded a remarkable cumulative contribution of $600,000, which was instrumental in funding educational scholarships for 24 passionate professionals within the industry and supporting 17 meaningful community-based projects around the globe.

Negroni Week 2025, the Negroni Week Fund is poised to build on its success. In partnership with Slow Food, the fund is dedicated to strengthening its support for the hospitality industry. Its initiatives will focus on preserving both cultural and biological diversity, promoting essential food and beverage education through enriching knowledge exchanges, and fostering equity and wellness throughout the industry.