The Negroni keeps making waves in the cocktail scene (yeah, we’re looking at you, House of the Dragon fans), and we predict that the Christmas Negroni will be the next big thing this festive season. To make one, you’ll use the original Negroni recipe and add some flair by making your own Christmas-infused gin and using winter spice garnishes.
Christmas Negroni
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Pour the Campari, infused gin and vermouth into an ice filled mixing glass
02
Stir until ice cold (about 30 seconds)
03
Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube or sphere
04
Twist an orange peel over the Negroni to release its oil and add it to the drink
05
Garnish with cinnamon stick, star anise and a fresh bay leaf
What is a Christmas Negroni?
A Christmas Negroni cocktail is a more festive version of the classic Negroni and uses Christmas-infused gin as a key ingredient.
To make your infused gin, grab your favorite bottle and pour out a drink for yourself and a friend to make some space in the bottle to add the spices. Next, toast 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise pods, 5 cloves, a teaspoon of black peppercorns, and 3 fresh bay leaves in a dry pan until fragrant. Transfer into a pestle and mortar and crush roughly. Add the spices to your ¾ bottle of gin, seal, and give it a good shake. Leave overnight – or for up to 3 days in a dark space – to infuse. Strain into a pitcher using a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the spice bits. Pour the gin back into the bottle, and voila! You’ve just made the hero ingredient for a delicious Christmas Negroni recipe.
Well done, you! Santa’s sure to bring you something nice this holiday! And speaking of nice, discover the Best Christmas Cocktails you can shake up this December.
How to drink a Christmas Negroni properly
Once you’ve made your Christmas Negroni cocktail, it’s time to get festive with your family and loved ones. This is how to enjoy it properly:
Swirl: Swirl the drink so that you can appreciate the dazzling performance of the ruby-colored liquid dancing around the large ice cube. Soooo pretty!
Smell: Dip your nose into the glass and give it a good whiff. You’ll notice the warm baking spices from the infused gin and the aromatic notes of orange and botanicals.
Sip: You’ll be delighted by the first taste of this Christmas Negroni recipe—if you like a bitter drink. Expect a bittersweet and herbaceous taste with hints of warm spices and dark fruit flavors.
Smile: Because you just made the perfect Christmas drink to share this season!
More of our favorite Campari recipes
Look. It’s no secret. We’re massive fans of Campari here at The Mixer. If you’re a fan too, here are a few more Campari cocktail recipes you can whip up at home. (And the crowd goes wild!)
- The Jungle Bird: Rum, fresh pineapple, lime juice and Campari come together in a drink that’s perfect for those who prefer life on the sweeter side.
- Italian Gentleman Cocktail: If you love a Campari-bourbon combo, this cocktail will become your new favorite.
- Garibaldi Cocktail: The combination of orange juice and bitter Campari makes for one of the easiest (and most refreshing) two-ingredient cocktails you’ll ever make!
- Italian Job: This one’s for those of you who enjoy sweet and sour combinations. We also give you a few inside tips for the best variations.
- Negroni: The Negroni is an acquired taste — sophisticated, complex, and very grown up. This epic drink will never go out of fashion!
- Negroni Sbagliato: If you love cocktails with prosecco, you’ve got to try the Negroni Sbagliatio, which recently got some amazing airtime on TikTok thanks to a candid promo chat between two of the stars of the new Game of Thrones spin-off, House of Dragons.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This famous Campari drink is named after count Camillo Negroni, who was the first to order an Americano cocktail with gin instead of club soda.
An Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol, prosecco and club soda, while a Negroni is made with Campari, gin and sweet vermouth.
