Fireside Negroni is the cocktail you didn’t know you needed this winter. It’s a warm, aromatic spin on the iconic Negroni, replacing the ice and orange peel with hot Earl Grey tea, maple syrup, and a fragrant garnish that feels like curling up by the fire. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a holiday gathering, this hot cocktail is equal parts sophisticated and comforting.
Traditional Negronis are bold and bitter—perfect for summer evenings. But what about when the weather turns cold? Enter the Fireside Negroni. This variation leans into warmth with freshly brewed Earl Grey tea in place of ice, sweet maple syrup instead of simple syrup, and a deep citrusy richness that blends flawlessly with the classic trio of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The bergamot in the tea pairs beautifully with the botanicals in the gin, while the maple syrup softens the edges just enough to keep you sipping. One mug in, and you’ll wonder why Negronis weren’t always served hot.
Table of Contents
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy, warming, and winter-perfect
- Quick and easy with pantry staples
- Sophisticated flavor with minimal effort
- Customizable with different teas and sweeteners
- Ideal for holiday cocktail menus or après-ski evenings
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ oz gin
- ½ oz Campari
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- ¼ oz pure maple syrup
- Freshly brewed Earl Grey tea (to top)
- Orange wheel, for garnish
- Star anise, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
- In a heat-safe mug, combine gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and maple syrup.
- Top with hot Earl Grey tea and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and star anise.
- Optional: Microwave for 20 seconds for a piping hot finish.
⏱ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
🧮 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~165
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Alcohol: ~18% ABV
Note: Nutrition values are approximate.
🌿 Tips & Variations
- Switch up the tea: Try chamomile, green tea, or rooibos for different notes
- Add brightness: A splash of lemon juice enhances citrusy balance
- Make it stronger: Reduce tea for a more spirit-forward drink
- Make a batch: Multiply ingredients and serve from a small teapot or carafe
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace gin, Campari, and vermouth with zero-proof alternatives
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q: Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes! Honey, agave, or brown sugar syrup are all good substitutes.
Q: Do I need to microwave it?
Not required, but it helps keep the drink steaming hot—especially if your mug or tea cools quickly.
Q: Can this be made ahead?
Yes. Mix all ingredients except tea and refrigerate. When ready, reheat the base and add freshly brewed tea.
Q: Can I use loose leaf tea?
Absolutely. Brew it strong (about 1 tsp per 6 oz water) to ensure flavor comes through the spirits.
Fireside Negroni
Equipment
- – Heatproof mug
- – Teakettle
- – Measuring jigger or shot glass
Ingredients
- – 1½ oz gin
- – ½ oz Campari
- – ½ oz sweet vermouth
- – ¼ oz pure maple syrup
- – Freshly brewed Earl Grey tea to top
- – Orange wheel and star anise for garnish
Instructions
- In a mug, combine gin, Campari, vermouth, and maple syrup.
- Top with hot Earl Grey tea and stir.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and star anise.
- Optional: Microwave 20 seconds to reheat.
Notes
– For stronger drinks, use less tea
– Ideal for holiday parties and fireside nights
🍸 Conclusion
The Fireside Negroni is proof that a classic can evolve into something new and seasonal. It’s bold, slightly bitter, and perfectly balanced with warmth and sweetness—ideal for sipping by the fire, the tree, or just after a long winter’s day. Make it once, and it’ll become a permanent part of your cold-weather cocktail lineup.