Description

This Christmas Spiced Negroni is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, infused with warming spices like star anise, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The spiced gin is homemade through a simple infusion process over five days, creating a rich, aromatic base. The cocktail is rounded out with red vermouth and Campari, then garnished with charred orange segments for a vibrant, smoky citrus flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings to evoke cozy seasonal cheer.

Ingredients

Scale

Spiced Gin Ingredients

500 ml gin
1 star anise
1 whole nutmeg
2 cinnamon sticks (each approx. 7.5 cm / 3 inches in length)
15 whole cloves

Negroni Cocktail Ingredients

30 ml (1 fl oz) spiced gin
30 ml (1 fl oz) red vermouth
30 ml (1 fl oz) Campari
2 thick orange segments
Sunflower oil (or other tasteless oil for brushing oranges)

Instructions

Prepare the Spiced Gin: Roughly crush the star anise, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and cloves using a pestle and mortar to release their aromas.
Toast the Spices: Heat the crushed spices gently in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes, stirring to avoid burning and to enhance their fragrance.
Infuse the Gin: Transfer the toasted spices into a clean jar, pour in the 500 ml of gin, seal tightly, and let it infuse for 5 days at room temperature. Shake the jar daily to mix flavors.
Strain the Spiced Gin: After 5 days, strain the gin through muslin cloth into a clean glass bottle, discarding the solids.
Char the Orange Segments: Brush the orange segments lightly with sunflower or neutral oil. Heat a pan on medium-high and char the orange pieces for 1-2 minutes on each side, creating a smoky caramelized flavor. Allow to cool.
Assemble the Negroni: In a glass, place some ice cubes and one charred orange wedge. Pour in 30 ml spiced gin, 30 ml red vermouth, and 30 ml Campari.
Mix and Garnish: Stir the ingredients gently to combine, garnish with the second charred orange segment, and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

The spiced gin infusion requires 5 days, so plan ahead.
Use a pestle and mortar to properly crush and release the spices’ essential oils for maximum flavor.
Char the oranges carefully to avoid burning; a light caramelization enhances the cocktail’s aroma.
Store spiced gin in a cool, dark place in a sealed bottle for up to 2 weeks for best taste.
This recipe makes a single serving of the Negroni cocktail; adjust ingredient quantities accordingly for more servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 5 days infusion
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Cocktail
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Christmas cocktail, spiced gin, Negroni, holiday drinks, infused gin, charred orange, holiday cocktail