A Festive Twist on the Classic Negroni: Christmas Negroni Recipe

The holiday season brings with it a desire for warmth, comfort, and a touch of the extraordinary in our daily lives. What better way to embrace the festive spirit than by giving our favorite classic cocktail a Christmas twist? 

Ingredients

(Recipe for 10 drinks)

• 20cl Gin
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 10 Whole Cloves
• 2 Star Anise
• 5-10 Crushed Cardamom Pods
• 0.5 Vanilla Pod
• 4 orange zests
• Campari
• Sweet Vermouth

Method

1. Spice Infused Gin: Begin by infusing the gin with the spices. In a jar or bottle, combine the gin, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, star anise, crushed cardamom pods, orange zests, and the half vanilla pod. Let this mixture sit after taste this could be anything from 2h-12h hours, allowing the spices to impart their warm and aromatic flavors into the gin. Try the infusion a couple of times and remove the spices when you think it's enough flavors depending on what you prefer.  

2. Mixing the Cocktail: Once the gin is infused, it's time to mix your Christmas Negroni. For each cocktail, you'll need:

1. • 1 Part Spiced Gin
   • 1 Part Campari
   • 1 Part Sweet Vermouth

3. Assemble: Pour everything to a lowball glass with ice, combine the spiced gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold.

4.  Garnish: Garnish with a twist of orange peel, and if you're feeling extra festive, add a small cinnamon stick or a star anise on top.

Tips and Tricks

• Infusion Time: The longer you let the gin infuse, the stronger the spice flavors will be. Adjust the time based on your taste preference.
• Sweet Vermouth Selection: Choose a high-quality sweet vermouth to complement the spiced gin and Campari.
• Balance of Flavors: Don't hesitate to tweak the ratio of the ingredients to find your perfect balance between sweet, bitter, and spicy.

Conclusion

The Christmas Negroni is a perfect cocktail to warm up your holiday evenings. Its rich and complex flavor profile, combining the classic bitterness of a Negroni with the warm, comforting spices of the season, makes it an instant hit at any Christmas gathering. Whether you're hosting a festive party or simply enjoying a quiet night in by the fireplace, this cocktail is sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday experience.

Remember, the key to a great Christmas Negroni is in the balance of flavors. Experiment with the spice levels and the ratios of the ingredients to create a cocktail that suits your personal taste. Cheers to a delightful and spirited holiday season!