This cheerful Cranberry Negroni is a fun twist on the classic drink! With a mix of gin, vermouth, and cranberry juice, it’s fruity and refreshing.
Every sip feels like a party. I love to serve it during celebrations or when friends come over—sweeten the mood with style! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: Choose a quality gin for a nice herbal base. If gin isn’t your favorite, you can use vodka for a milder flavor or Aperol for a sweeter spin.
Sweet Vermouth: Classic for Negronis, but if you’re looking for a lighter taste, use dry vermouth instead, or even a sweet white wine if in a pinch!
Campari: This bitter liqueur gives the Negroni its signature taste. If you want something less bitter, consider substituting with Aperol, though this will change the balance of flavors.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened is best to keep the drink refreshing. If fresh cranberries are in season, muddling them can add a fresh pop!
How Do I Make Sure My Negroni is Chilled Perfectly?
Chilling your drink is key to a refreshing Negroni. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use plenty of ice in your mixing glass or shaker. The more ice, the better the chill.
- Stir, don’t shake! Stirring helps keep the cocktail clear while mixing ingredients effectively.
- Keep your rocks glass cool by filling it with ice while you mix your drink. Once mixed, dump the ice and add fresh ice for serving.
- Served immediately, this cocktail shines when it’s nice and cold.
How to Make a Cranberry Negroni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange peel twist
- Small sprig of rosemary (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Cranberry Negroni takes about 5 minutes to prepare. In no time, you’ll have a delicious cocktail ready to impress your friends or to enjoy yourself after a long day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Mixing Glass:
Start by filling a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This will help chill your drink as you mix.
2. Measure and Pour:
Pour in the gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and cranberry juice into the mixing glass with the ice. This combination will create a perfect balance of flavors!
3. Stir to Chill:
Using a bar spoon or any long spoon, stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds. This will ensure everything is well mixed and nicely chilled.
4. Strain into a Glass:
Take a rocks glass and fill it with fresh ice. Next, strain the chilled mixture from the mixing glass into the rocks glass. Watch the beautiful colors blend!
5. Add the Garnishes:
Now it’s time to make your drink look pretty! Garnish with fresh cranberries, either skewered on a cocktail pick or neatly placed on the rim of the glass. Then, twist an orange peel over the drink to release its fragrant oils and add it as well.
6. Optional Touch:
If you like, pop a small sprig of rosemary into the drink for an extra aromatic garnish that enhances the experience.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Cranberry Negroni immediately and enjoy the festive flavors. Cheers to a beautifully crafted cocktail!
Can I Use Different Types of Alcohol?
Absolutely! While gin is traditional, you can substitute it with vodka for a milder flavor or try using Aperol for a sweeter variation. Just keep in mind this will change the overall taste of your Negroni!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
For the freshest taste, it’s best to mix the Cranberry Negroni just before serving. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately, then mix when you’re ready to enjoy!
How Do I Store Leftover Negroni?
If you happen to have any leftover Negroni, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and consider refreshing it with new ice!
What If I Don’t Have Cranberry Juice?
No cranberry juice? No problem! You can use pomegranate juice as a substitute, which will still give you that lovely red color and fruity flavor, though it will taste slightly different.
