A crackling fire. A soft wool throw. And in your hands? A warm Fireside Negroni, the cocktail that wraps the classic bitter orange charm of a Negroni in a winter coat of bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea and a hint of maple sweetness.
This comforting, slow-sipping drink is made for snow-dusted evenings and festive gatherings, offering a seasonal twist on the original that’s both elegant and easy to make at home. Whether you’re a Negroni loyalist or new to the world of aperitifs, the Fireside Negroni is a welcome guest on any winter bar menu.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- ❄️ A cozy, hot twist on a classic cold drink
- 🍊 Complex flavors from tea, citrus, and bitters
- 🍁 Maple syrup adds a rich wintery sweetness
- 🕯 Perfect for après-ski, holiday parties, or fireside reading
- 🍹 No shaker needed—just stir, steep, and sip
Ingredients
- 1½ oz gin
- ½ oz Campari
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- ¼ oz pure maple syrup
- 3–4 oz hot Earl Grey tea
- Garnish: orange wheel and star anise (optional)
Instructions
- In a heatproof mug or glass, combine gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and maple syrup.
- Top with freshly brewed hot Earl Grey tea and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and a whole star anise for aromatic flair.
- (Optional) Microwave the finished drink for 15–20 seconds for extra warmth.
- Sip slowly and savor the layered warmth.
Recipe Details
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0
Total Time: 5 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Flavor Notes & Garnish Tips
- Bergamot & citrus from Earl Grey balance Campari’s bitterness
- Maple syrup adds roundness without overwhelming sweetness
- Orange wheel boosts aroma and visual warmth
- Star anise introduces a subtle licorice note and looks stunning
Variations
- 🍋 Citrus Swap: Use hot lemon ginger tea instead of Earl Grey
- 🌲 Woodsy Vibe: Add a dash of smoked bitters or Lapsang Souchong tea
- 🐝 Sweeter Touch: Try honey or cinnamon syrup instead of maple
- 🥃 Stronger Style: Use less tea for a more intense, Negroni-forward version
FAQs
Q: Can I make Fireside Negroni in advance?
Yes! Mix the spirits + maple syrup in a jar and refrigerate. Just add hot tea when ready to serve.
Q: Is this drink caffeinated?
Yes, due to the Earl Grey. For caffeine-free, use rooibos or chamomile.
Q: What gin works best?
Go with a juniper-forward gin for classic Negroni balance, or try a winter botanical gin for seasonal flair.
Fireside Negroni
Equipment
- – Heatproof mug or glass
- – Spoon for stirring
- – Tea kettle or microwave
Ingredients
- – 1½ oz gin
- – ½ oz Campari
- – ½ oz sweet vermouth
- – ¼ oz maple syrup
- – 3–4 oz hot Earl Grey tea
- – Garnish: orange wheel star anise
Instructions
- In a mug, combine gin, Campari, vermouth, and maple syrup.
- Top with hot Earl Grey tea. Stir gently.
- Garnish with orange wheel and star anise.
- Optional: Microwave for 15–20 seconds for extra warmth.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
– Use decaf Earl Grey for a no-caffeine version
– Pairs beautifully with spiced nuts or dark chocolate
Conclusion
The Fireside Negroni is a cocktail that brings warmth in every sense—aromatic, gently bitter, and kissed with sweet maple and bergamot. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for holiday sipping.
Whether you’re hosting a party or winding down solo by the fire, this hot Negroni riff is the drink you didn’t know you needed.