The cocktail I drink all year round: This White Negroni riff
If you were to ask me what cocktail I can drink all year round, no matter the season, and it’ll ALWAYS hits? That’s the White Negroni for me (specifically this variation I’m going to share today.)
The traditional Negroni is a boozy, bold, ruby red, and deeply bitter cocktail. — equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweeth vermouth. They say that it was invented in Florence in the early 20th century, coming from the classic “Americano” which is a much lighter, consisting of Campari & sweet vermouth and that’s topped off with soda water. Carving it’s way into a Italian classic.
The White Negroni on the other hand, years later, was made by a british bartender in France when Campari and sweet vermouth weren’t available behind the bar. He ended up crafting a “white” version of the drink, adding a French twist to it using “Suze” (a French aperitif liqueur), and Lilet Blanc with is also from France but it is a fortified wine. I’m not the biggest fan of Suze, but I can see why it’s used for this kind of drink.
It was while I was working a night behind the bar, on service well, and a white Negroni ticket came, that was a first for me. The bar I worked at actually didn’t have Suze so I opted to making it with Italicus (an Italian bergamot liqueur). I finished the cocktail with an thick expressed lemon peel over the edges and of course I had to straw test the drink lol.
It really surprised me how great it turned out. However, nothing about it resembled a classic Negroni, and to me there was nothing wrong with that.
Why does it work all seasons for me??
Easy one to answer.
The floral gin notes and citrus flavor from the bergamot liqueur makes this cocktail match the vibe of warmer months super well. And in colder months, I seem to crave something to warm me up. A boozy gin based drink will definitely get your blood going haha and it’s crazy to say but the oils of the lemon peel brings that touch of sweetness and brightens up any gloomy days of winter. Bonus: Pair it with rich holiday dishes and it’ll cut through it while having an elegant feel.
Adapted White Negroni spec:
- 1 oz gin (Hendrick’s & Bombay Dry work very well, but any of your preference)
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1/2 oz Italicus
- Stir with ice until chilled
- Strain into rocks glass over big ice cube
- Garnish with an expressed lemon twist
My Take
What I love about this white Negroni is the balance, the slight sweetness it has. This variation is different than other white Negronis, for sure won’t be as bitter. It’s super approachable for someone trying to get into gin or a gateway into spirit forward cocktails. It’s light and refreshing while still being boozy and nothing boring or overwhelming. And it fits the vibe for summer happy hour as it does during a cozy winter dinner.
So if you’re looking for something versatile, fresh, and forever drinkable, give this white negroni riff a try – it might become your go-to as well. I would love to hear what you think if you try this recipe! Saúde!! 🥂
