Bitter has never tasted so good. From 22–28 September 2025, Brisbane is raising a glass (or several) for Negroni Week and Fish Lane is at the centre of the action.
The iconic cocktail of gin, vermouth and Campari is getting a glow-up as Brisbane’s best bartenders roll out wild riffs, fresh twists and cheeky new flavours. Even better? Every sip supports Slow Food, a global movement championing sustainability, biodiversity, and good, clean, fair food for all.
So this isn’t just drinking for fun. It’s drinking for good.
A laneway filled with art, cocktails and secrets
One of the week’s biggest highlights is the Secret Handshake’ Art & Negroni Trail through Fish Lane on Saturday, September 27 ($95pp).
Imagine this: you and your crew weaving through the laneway’s lush greenery, red-brick charm and larger-than-life murals, cocktail in hand. Each stop on the trail reveals a new Negroni creation, crafted by some of Brisbane’s most inventive bartenders.
From a chocolate-infused Negroni that tastes like dessert in a glass to tropical coconut-kissed concoctions that feel like a holiday in the Caribbean, every bar is serving something unforgettable. Think of it as a treasure hunt for grown-ups—only the treasure is garnished with orange peel and possibly set alight.
The bars bringing the buzz
Fish Lane is famous for its food and drink culture, and this Negroni Week, the venues are pulling out all the stops:
- Midtown: hosting a four-course Negroni & Friends Dinner on 24 September. Expect thoughtful food pairings where every bite has a bold sip to match.
- Bar Brutus: shaking up a Chocolonely Negroni (yes, with the cult-fave chocolate) and running a two-day pop-up bar, 26–27 September.
- Hello Please: giving island vibes with the Kingston Negroni, featuring toasted coconut milk.
- Next Episode: indulging with a Salted Chocolate Negroni and refreshing things with a Yuzu & Cucumber Negroni.
- Chu the Phat: bringing the sea to your glass with the Brine & Dandy Negroni, plus outdoor happy hour sessions to match.
- Julius, Kiki Kiosk, Maker, Maeve, and Tarbouche: all serving their own unique spins, from premium gin showcases to amaro-laced magic.
Basically, no two negronis will be the same.
More than just cocktails
Behind the clinking glasses and Campari-stained smiles, there’s a bigger story. Every Negroni poured contributes to Slow Food, supporting local farmers, protecting food traditions, and creating a fairer food system.
“Negroni Week is more than a celebration of a great cocktail, it’s about using something fun, social, and delicious to make a real difference,” says Jay Lambert, Campari Brand Ambassador.
That means every time you raise a glass, you’re also raising funds to keep Queensland’s food future sustainable. Or, as Jay puts it: “Every sip tells a story.”
How to join the party
Getting involved is easy (and honestly, pretty darn delicious).
- Visit participating bars in Brisbane (and beyond) during Negroni Week, 22–28 September.
- Try their special Negroni twists (the weirder and more wonderful, the better).
- Snap a pic and share your favourite creations using #NegroniWeekAU and #SlowFoodQueensland.
Venues across Queensland can still register at negroniweek.com, so expect more names to pop up between now and September.
Sip boldly, do good
Classic, chocolatey, tropical, salty or spiked with amaro—however you like it, there’s a Negroni waiting for you this September. With Brisbane’s Fish Lane at the heart of it all, it’s set to be one of the city’s most vibrant weeks of the year.
So grab your friends, practise your best “saluti!”, and get ready to sip your way through Fish Lane, one red-hued cocktail at a time.
WHAT: Negroni Week 2025: Cocktail celebration in support of Slow Food
WHEN: 22–28 September 2025
WHERE: Fish Lane and venues across Brisbane
TICKETS: Secret Handshake Art & Negroni Trail $95pp, book via negroniweek.com
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
