Spiced Orange Bay Negroni Cocktail
A Christmas negroni with gin, a red bitter aperitif and white vermouth, sweetened with a quick bay, orange and star anise syrup. Stirred in 5 minutes.
The negroni is a drink I enjoy for its bittersweet, grown-up character, and this winter version makes it cozier with orange and warm spice. Making a quick syrup on the stove gives all that flavor without any long infusion. It is a lovely drink to sip before dinner.
Saúl’s Tip
Stir the drink for a full 20 to 30 seconds with lots of ice. You want it very cold and just slightly diluted, which softens the bitterness.
Tips for Success
- Measure carefully. A negroni is a balanced drink, and too much of any one part tips it.
- Stir with plenty of ice so the drink chills and softens a little.
- Pour over fresh ice, not the ice you stirred with, which is already half melted.
- Start with 2 tsp of syrup and add more only if you like it sweeter.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make the syrup up to 2 weeks ahead and keep it in the fridge. For a party, multiply the gin, aperitif, vermouth and syrup by the number of guests, add 1 oz of water for every 4 drinks, and chill the bottle for up to 3 days. Pour over ice to serve.
Variations
- Non-alcoholic swap: mix 3 oz cold strong black tea, 1 oz orange juice and 2 tsp of the syrup, and pour over ice.
- Use a dry gin with plenty of citrus for a brighter taste.
- Rinse the glass with a little orange liqueur before pouring for extra sweetness.
Spiced Orange Bay Negroni Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the sugar, water, orange zest, bay leaf, cinnamon, star anise and cloves in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, until the syrup looks slightly thick and smells spiced.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool for 15 minutes. Strain into a small jar.
- Fill a mixing glass or large jug halfway with ice.
- Add the gin, red bitter aperitif, white vermouth and 2 tsp of the cooled syrup.
- Stir with a long spoon for 30 seconds, until the outside of the jug feels very cold.
- Fill two short glasses with fresh ice and strain the drink over the top.
- Tuck an orange slice into each glass and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a negroni?
A classic negroni has equal parts gin, red bitter aperitif and sweet vermouth. This holiday version uses white vermouth and a spiced syrup for a gentler, more aromatic taste.
Do I stir or shake a negroni?
Stir. Drinks made only of spirits look clear and taste silky when stirred. Shaking makes them cloudy.
How long does the spiced syrup keep?
It keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Try it in sparkling water or hot tea too.
