White Negroni: The French Alternative to Italy's Cocktail Icon

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.

White NegroniPhoto by2foodtrippers

You might be surprised that the White Negroni isn't actually white. We were pleasantly surprised by its vivid yellow color ourselves. However, you won't be disappointed if you're expecting a sophisticated sipper that channels the original Negroni's bitter spirit. That part of the cocktail's name delivers as advertised.

What Is the White Negroni?

Crafted by 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.

Ingredients

The White Negroni's ingredient list is both short and specific:

• 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)

While you probably already have a bottle on gin on hand you may need to shop for the other two liquors. Heres a quick description of each:

Gin: While any quality dry gin will work in the White Negroni recipe, we like to use Citadelle dry gin. Produced in Cognac, the premium French gin features 19 botanicals and has an ABV of 44%.

Lillet Blanc: An aromatized wine with a 17% ABV, Lillet Blanc is aged white Bordeaux wine that's blended with fruit liqueurs (mostly citrus). It's a key ingredient in the Corpse Reviver #2, the French Blonde and the Vesper Martini.

Suze: Similar to Aveze and Salers, Suze is a bitter liqueur that's produced with the root of purple gentian flowers. The French liqueur has balanced herbaceous flavors and an ABV of 20%.

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 measuerements and minimizes spillage.

Imediately 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 - approximately 20 seconds.

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 experiementing, here are some ideas to consider:

• Increase the gin and/or reduce the Suze to craft a less bitter White Negroni.
• Replace the Lillet Blanc with white vermouth if you don't have Lillet Blanc.
• Replace the Suze with Aveze or Salers if you prefer one of those gentian liqueurs.

This recipe was originally published on 2foodtrippers. Consider subscribing to 2foodtrippers if you enjoyed it.