Rosemary + Orange Holiday Negronis

I think one of my biggest accomplishments of the weekend was making THIS cocktail. This cocktail that had an egg white topper, and making it + drinking it felt just so fancy. We got the shaker out, we shook + cracked eggs + juiced fruits, and we made these Rosemary + Orange Holiday Negronis. And they were so good! I feel like I’ve officially entered the mode where I’m experimenting with cocktails to see what is making the cut for holiday happy hours and hosting family for Christmas, and this is making the cut!

This drink had all the classic negroni components - campari, vermouth, gin - and it was just amped up. A squeeze of orange juice + lemon juice (fresh of course) and a rosemary infused simple syrup. They were the perfect compliments to the classic that shook things up just enough to make it fun, but still had all the negroni flavor. Then there was the egg white. Such a dream! Just shake it and it gets frothy + perfect + just makes it feel elevated. The real MVP was Jordan and I am forever in his thanks for helping me pop the top of the cocktail shaker on + off, because dealing with that was a real pain in the ass. So I’m only cocktail shaking when Jordan is around, and that’s a non-negotiable.

Negronis are just such a go to cocktail for me. So random, but I have really good memories of sipping on negronis in Whistler. One those ski trips they tend to be a semi-regular night-cap and I have fond recollection of ordering them with friends, and they’re just a cozy cocktail that always seems to hit the spot. And one I literally never make at home, so holidays 2023 we’re changing that!

 
 

For the cocktail (makes one, but it can easily be multiplied)

  • 1 oz. gin

  • 1 oz. Campari

  • 1 oz. sweet vermouth

  • 1/2 oz. rosemary simple syrup (make simple syrup + add 1-2 sprigs of rosemary)

  • 1/2 oz. lemon juice

  • 1/2 oz. orange juice

  • 1 egg white

  • Blood orange slices + fresh rosemary for garnish

Add the gin, campari, vermouth, simple syrup, + fruit juices to a cocktail shaker. Add in the egg white, cap, and shake vigorously. Add the ice + shake again - I go for at least 15 more strong shakes.

Strain into chilled glasses + garnish with half an orange slice + a sprig of fresh rosemary. Sip + enjoy.

Lesley ZehnerComment