France’s White Negroni is an elegant version of the classic Italian cocktail. It’s also bright, bitter and beautiful.
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.
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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.
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Ingredients
The White Negroni’s ingredient list is both short and specific:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
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
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:
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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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White Negroni Recipe
Servings: 1
Calories: 240kcal
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Pour the gin, Lillet Blanc and Suze into a mixing glass.
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Add a handful of ice cubes and stir until the liquids are chilled and combined – approximately 20 seconds.
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Place a jumbo ice cube into a highball glass and strain the mixed liquids into the glass.
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Drop a citrus peel into the glass.
Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.03g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.04mg
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