Classic Negroni: Jerry Thomas Project, Rome
Rome is only two hours from Naples and when I was studying there, I would head up to the city to visit the Jerry Thomas Project. It’s a speakeasy near Campo de Fiori, right in the heart of Rome. You can’t see it from the street, and you need a password to get in, but once you’re in it’s very atmospheric with a 1920s feel. It’s open until late so you get a lot of bartenders from other bars going there after their shifts, not least because they do an absolutely perfect Negroni.
Vicolo Cellini, 30, Rome 186; thejerrythomasproject.it
Sbagliato: Bar Basso, Milan
Milan is the city for aperitivo, the Italian tradition of going for a drink and a little nibble of something to get you going for the night ahead. The dream aperitivo is Sbagliato, which is like a classic Negroni but with the gin replaced with prosecco, making it lighter and bubblier and ideal for when you’re in the mood to party. It was invented in Bar Basso, a place with a perfect balance of tradition, history and buckets of charm.
Via Plinio 39, Milan 20129; barbasso.com/en/
Negroni with a Twist: L’Antiquario, Naples
There is no better end to an evening in Naples than a nightcap at L’Antiquario, another speakeasy-style bar. It’s easier to find than the Jerry Thomas because it has a beautiful window display on the street full of classic shakers and period soda syphons. The drink to order there is its “tris of Negroni”, a flight of three Negronis served on a moving carousel. The first is full of umami flavours with tomato and mushrooms. The second is sweet with hints of rose and peach. And the last one is made with coffee, with just the right bitterness to be perfect for digesting your dinner.
Via Vannella Gaetani, 2, 80121 Napoli; instagram.com/lantiquario_napoli
For a brilliant Negroni in London, head to Artesian Bar; artesian-bar.co.uk.
Follow Giulia on Instagram here: @giuggifoca
