Negroni Masterclass: Italy Meets Mexico Wed 22 Jul 2026 at 18:00 Belgravia | Events
There are few cocktails as architecturally precise as the Negroni. Equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, stirred until perfectly cold, balanced on a knife-edge of bitterness and sweetness. And there are few bartenders better placed to take you inside it than Brian Calleja, Bar Manager at Boisdale of Belgravia, who has spent years refining our house pour in one of London's most handsome dedicated Negroni bars.
This intimate masterclass takes the Negroni as its centrepiece but widens its scope for a well-timed transatlantic detour. With National Tequila Day falling on 24th July, Brian turns his attention to the Margarita, a cocktail of comparable elegance and far more depth than its reputation sometimes suggests, for an evening that charts a course from the aperitivo bars of Milan to the agave fields of Jalisco.
What to Expect
Welcome Americano
Guests arrive to a welcome Americano, the Negroni's older and gentler predecessor, served with a canapé and an introduction to the principles of bitterness and balance that underpin the evening.
Introduction & History
Brian traces the lineage of the Italian aperitivo: the Milano-Torino, the Americano, and the moment Count Camillo Negroni allegedly asked for something stronger. The second half crosses continents, into the history of tequila and the enduring craft of the classic Margarita, timed to coincide with National Tequila Day on 24th July.
Hands-On Cocktail Building
Guests build Boisdale's Classic Negroni by hand, learning ratios, stirring technique and the small decisions (ice, glass, garnish) that elevate the drink, before shaking up the Margarita. Each cocktail is paired with a canapé.
Wrap-Up
A practical recap covering structure, balance and how to recreate and vary both cocktails at home: the kind of working knowledge that stays with you.
The Detail
| ■ Approx. 60 minutes | ■ All levels welcome |
| ■ Welcome Americano included | ■ Canapé pairings |
| ■ Spaces intentionally limited for a small-group setting | |
£20 Members | £35 Non-members
Belgravia | Events - 15 Eccleston Street, LONDON, SW1W 9LX
Boisdale of Belgravia
“A carnivore’s dream” — Evening Standard
Since 1989, Boisdale of Belgravia has been a cornerstone of London’s dining and live music scene, blending classic British hospitality with an ever-present sense of theatre. Renowned for its warm, clubby atmosphere, the venue brings together exceptional food, fine drinks, and live performance in one effortlessly elegant setting.
Live music forms the heartbeat of Boisdale. Curated by Jools Holland, Patron of Music at Boisdale, performances take place Monday to Saturday evenings, with a much-loved jazz-filled Sunday lunch completing the week. Dinner is typically served before and during evening performances, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed meal before the music takes centre stage.
The menu celebrates British cuisine with a strong Scottish accent. Signature dishes include dry-aged Aberdeenshire steaks, Hebridean seafood and traditional haggis, all prepared with quality sourcing and confident simplicity. Complementing the food is an extensive whisky collection, a dedicated Negroni bar and a discreet hidden cigar terrace.
Interiors reflect Boisdale’s characterful spirit, with leather chairs, plush tartan carpets and original artwork creating an intimate, refined backdrop for both dining and live entertainment. A selection of private dining rooms adds to the venue’s versatility, making it equally suited to celebratory dinners, music-led evenings and special events.
