Spiced Negroni by the fire ...

Unusual post tonight I know, but I thought I'd share the recipe for my most favourite cocktail.

The Negroni cocktail is made of one part gin, one part Martini rosso (red, semi- sweet), and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel and is best enjoyed as an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the wineries and olive trees.

However, on this wintery evening, in front of the fire, a variation on the theme is the addition of winter spices to the gin -

Ingredients

Spiced Gin

• 500 ml Gin

• 1 Star Anise

• 2 Cloves nutmeg

• 2 cinnamon sticks (each approx 7.5cm/ 3 inches in length)

• 16 Cloves

Roughly mash all spices and toast on a dry frying pan for 1-2 minutes

Put in a large jar and pour gin over. Infuse the spices in the gin for 5 days before using. Strain through muslin to get rid of all spices

60 ml/ 2 fl oz gin

60 ml/ 2 fl oz red vermouth

60 ml/ 2 fl oz campari

2 chunky segments of orange

Ice

Rub orange around the rim of the glass and add to the ice. Use a cocktail shaker to mix all parts thoroughly - pour over the ice and orange - sit back and enjoy!