Holiday Rum Negroni with Sparkling Wine Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the holiday season calls for a drink that’s both festive and a little unique—something to make those gatherings feel extra special. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Holiday Rum Negroni with Sparkling Wine Recipe with you. It’s my twist on the classic Negroni, swapping out gin for rum and adding a splash of sparkling wine that brings in just the right amount of fizz and festivity. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for holiday cheer!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a cocktail that’s smooth yet complex, bubbly but balanced. A little tip—using a quality sweet vermouth really makes the difference, so don’t skip out on that part.

• Amber or gold rum: Look for a rum with rich, warm notes to complement the bitterness of Campari.
• Campari: This iconic Italian bitter is the backbone of any Negroni-style drink.
• Sweet vermouth: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is my favorite for its herbal depth and perfect sweetness.
• Sparkling white wine (preferably dry Prosecco): Adds effervescence and lightness, enhancing the holiday feel.
• Orange twist: Fresh citrus oils brighten up every sip.
• Fresh cranberries: Great for garnish and a pop of holiday color.

Variations

I love how versatile this Holiday Rum Negroni with Sparkling Wine Recipe is — I often switch things up depending on my mood or the crowd. Don’t be shy about trying your own twists!

• Gin Swap: When I want a more traditional vibe but with a festive touch, I swap the rum back for gin and add blood orange bitters for a deep winter flavor.
• Bitters Variation: Add a dash of aromatic bitters like Angostura to layer in complexity.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweet vermouth for a drier or sweeter finish, depending on personal preference.
• Herbal Infusions: Try garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs for an herbal aroma that screams holiday.

How to Make Holiday Rum Negroni with Sparkling Wine Recipe

Step 1: Stir the Base Spirits

Start by adding your amber rum, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir gently but thoroughly — the goal is to chill the mixture without diluting it too much, so give it about 20-30 seconds. This step is key because stirring blends the flavors while maintaining clarity and texture.

Step 2: Strain Over Ice

Grab a rocks glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Strain your stirred mixture right over these cubes. The cold glass and fresh ice keep your drink crisp and refreshing without watering it down too fast.

Step 3: Top with Sparkling Wine

Now for the magic touch: slowly top off the cocktail with 3 ounces of your dry sparkling white wine, preferably a Prosecco. Pour gently so you keep that beautiful fizz alive. The bubbles lift the bold flavors of the rum and Campari, giving it a light and festive finish.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy

Finish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the cocktail for an aromatic punch, and drop in a few fresh cranberries to make it feel truly holiday-ready. This final touch not only looks charming but adds a subtle fruity aroma as you sip.

How to Serve Holiday Rum Negroni with Sparkling Wine Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with a simple orange twist and fresh cranberries because they complement the flavors and look so festive. Sometimes I’ll add a sprig of rosemary for an herbal note and an extra holiday vibe—plus it smells amazing.

Side Dishes

This cocktail is perfect alongside salty snacks like marcona almonds, aged cheeses, or even spiced nuts. For something heartier, I love serving it with charcuterie boards—your guests will appreciate the balance of bitter, sweet, and bubbly while nibbling on savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I sometimes serve this cocktail in coupe glasses rimmed lightly with sugar and a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest. It adds a little sparkle and sets a celebratory tone. Another fun idea is to float a few edible gold flakes or pomegranate seeds for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cocktail is definitely best fresh—once topped with sparkling wine, it doesn’t keep well. If you make the Negroni base (rum, Campari, vermouth) ahead of time, store it in the fridge in a sealed bottle or jar for up to a week and add the sparkling wine just before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this cocktail since the sparkling wine will lose its texture and the other ingredients can separate or lose flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Alcoholic cocktails like this one don’t typically require reheating—just freshen it up with ice and replenish the sparkling wine if needed. Warm drinks are a whole different vibe, so I’d save this for cold, festive occasions.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Holiday Rum Negroni with Sparkling Wine Recipe brings a little extra sparkle to holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making cocktails for a party or just treating yourself after a long day, this drink hits that perfect balance of festive, bitter, and sweet, with a touch of elegance from the fizz. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do—cheers to unforgettable holiday moments and delicious sips shared with friends!

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