From floral to cheese-washed to snack-paired, here are our favourite Shanghai Negronis.
1. Tea-infused
This one hits on the tea-infusion trend for a bit of Eastern flair. Beautifully served in a tea set veiled in a cloud of dry ice smoke, Xixi Bistro's lounge makes its slightly floral Tea Negroni with Yunnan black tea, rose water, gin, dry vermouth and bitter orange liquor and pairs it with bites of bitter jelly.
Xixi Bistro Lounge Second Floor, Xintiandi North Block, No 16, Lane 181, Taicang Lu, near Huangpi Nan Lu (6321 8861).
2. Grilled
A classic from bartender Mack Ross, Tour's Grilled Negroni pairs the classic blend of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth with a warm, gooey grilled cheese – the perfect companion to the cocktail's sweet and bitter flavours.
Tour 104-105 Bldg E, United Valley, 462 Changle Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu (6075 5821).
3. Blanc
Ever had a white Negroni? Well, as a wise friend once said, they're ace. Lychee's Negroni Blanc combines watermelon-infused Botanist gin, Amontillado sherry, dry vermouth, St. Germaine, angostura bitters and basil leaf garnish for a super smooth, crystal clear cocktail that goes down way too easy.
Lychee Number 2, Lane 49, Fuxing Xi Lu, near Wulumuqi Zhong Lu (3461 1377).
4. Pecorino-washed
These days cocktails involving some kind of process with cheese seem to be a menu necessity, and we're into it. The Cannery's tipple is a winner – the Pecorino Negroni gets a slightly creamy aftertaste from its cheese-washed gin completed by Campari, dry vermouth, Punt a Mes and a Pecorino crisp garnish.
The Cannery Bldg 1, Room 106, 1107 Yuyuan Lu, near Jiangsu Lu (5276 0599).
5. Barrel-aged
If you're feeling sassy and classy, head to the Bund-side Waldorf Astoria for Long Bar's barrel-aged Negroni. This high society pour rests and matures for several months before touching your lips, delivering much more depth of flavour than you'll find in a freshly mixed version.
Long Bar First Floor, Waldorf Astoria, 88 Sichuan Zhong Lu, near Guangdong Lu (6322 9988).