White Negroni: French Alternative to Italy’s Cocktail Icon
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The White Negroni is France’s take on Italy’s classic cocktail. The elegant drink is an update of the original version with flavors that are simultaneously bright and bitter.
Crafted with equal amounts of gin, Lillet Blanc and the French bitter Suze, the White Negroni is a modern take on the classic Negroni. The three-ingredient cocktail mirrors the Negroni’s herbaceous qualities and adds a bright, floral flavor element to the mix.
Fun Fact
The White Negroni has a second name which is oddly Itailan – Negroni Bianco.
History of the White Negroni
Debuting 83 years after the first Negroni was crafted in Florence, the White Negroni’s roots trace back to Bordeaux. That’s where British bartender Wayne Collins created the recipe using just three ingredients – gin, Lillet Blanc and Suze – in a 1:1:1 ratio.
While gin is a key ingredient in both Negroni recipes, Collins replaced Campari with Suze and sweet vermouth with Lillet Blanc. The result is a cocktail that’s yellow instead of red. It also has a smoother finish and more pronounced citrus flavors when compared to the original.
Discover more Negroni variations.
Ingredients
The White Negroni’s ingredient list is both short and specific:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft a White Negroni
When crafting a White Negroni, the first step is to measure equal amounts of its three liquid ingredients (gin, Lillet Blanc and Suze). We use a Japanese jigger for this step since it ensures accurate measurements and minimizes spillage.
Buy a Japanese jigger from Amazon if you need a jigger or want an inexpensive upgrade.
Immediately pour each liquid into a mixing glass.
Add a handful of ice to the mixing glass.
Stir with a bar spoon until the three ingredients are chilled and combined.
Drop a jumbo ice cube into a lowball glass and strain the drink into the glass.
Express the glass with a citrus strip – either lemon or grapefruit.
Drop the citrus strip into the glass. Voilà! It’s now time to start sipping your White Negroni creation.
Variations
We recommend crafting your first White Negroni following the 1:1:1 ratio. Then, if you feel like experimenting, here are some ideas to consider:
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White Negroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces gin (dry)
- 1.5 ounces Lillet Blanc
- 1.5 ounces Suze (gentian liqueur)
- 1 strip citrus peel (garnish)
- 1 ice cube (jumbo)
- ice cubes (for mixing)
Instructions
- Pour the gin, Lillet Blanc and Suze into a mixing glass.
- Add a handful of ice cubes and stir until the liquids are chilled and combined – approximately 20 seconds.
- Place a jumbo ice cube into a highball glass and strain the mixed liquids into the glass.
- Drop a citrus peel into the glass.
Nutrition
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
The White Negroni is a modern take on the classic Negroni. It’s crafted with gin, Lillet Blanc and Suze instead of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari.
The White Negroni was invented in Bordeaux, France in 2001.
Gin, Lillet Blanc, Suze, Citrus Peel, Ice Cubes (for mixing) and a Jumbo Ice Cube (for serving)
The White Negroni is stirred, not shaken.
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