A White Negroni is a delightful French take on the classic Italian Negroni. The aromatic aperitifs Lillet and Suze are used in place of traditional Campari and Vermouth resulting in a cocktail that is lighter in both color and flavor. With both floral and earthy notes, it makes the most refreshing pre or post-dinner patio drink; perfect for warmer days!
The white Negroni is a cocktail created by British bartender Wayne Collins in 2001. He set out to put a French spin on the classic Negroni by keeping the gin and swapping the Campari and sweet vermouth for two French ingredients: Lillet, a wine-based aperitif, and Suze, a bittersweet liqueur made from gentian root. The result is a drink that’s lighter in both color and flavor than the original, yet still bitter and bracing in all the right ways. Since its debut, the white Negroni has become a modern classic and a favorite among Negroni lovers and happy hour enthusiasts alike.
Despite the name, a white Negroni is actually a bright yellow cocktail. It preserves the signature bitterness of the original while adding a lighter, more floral character with a subtle hint of sweetness. I can’t think of a more pleasant pre- or post-dinner drink, especially on warm days. There’s something about sunny weather that makes sitting back with this cocktail feel just right—whether it’s on a sun-drenched patio, by the pool or beach, or gathered around a table with friends at happy hour.
Ingredients in a white negroni
Gin – a neutral, dry, well-balanced gin works well in this recipe.
Lillet ( pronounced li-lay )- a lovely french aromatized fortified wine used in place of vermouth. It offers sweetness with notes of honey, citrus, and herbs.
Suze ( pronounced suz )- this bittersweet french aperitif is used in place of Campari. It’s made from gentian root and manages to be floral, citric, and earthy with just a hint of sweetness.
Bigger ice is better
When serving cocktails, the bigger the ice the better. Larger ice cubes have more surface area which means they will melt slower and result in less water content in your drink. They also look fancy and are fun to make! Large square silicone ice cube trays are widely available. These Peak extra-large cubes are the ones that we use. Spherical mold trays are also fun and can be found here . They make stylish and elegant-looking ice balls that remove ice easily without cracking.
White Negroni Recipe
- Pin
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 ounce gin
- ▢ 1 ounce Lillet
- ▢ 1 ounce Suze
- ▢ 1 lemon or grapefruit zest twist
Instructions
- Add a handful of ice to a cocktail mixing glass or a 2-cup mason jar.
- Add the ingredients and stir for 30 seconds. 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce Lillet, 1 ounce Suze
- Strain the white negroni into a glass with a large ice cube and garnish with a lemon or grapefruit zest twist.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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White Negroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce Lillet
- 1 ounce Suze
- 1 lemon or grapefruit zest twist
Instructions
- Add a handful of ice to a cocktail mixing glass or a 2-cup mason jar.
- Add the ingredients and stir for 30 seconds. 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce Lillet, 1 ounce Suze
- Strain the white negroni into a glass with a large ice cube and garnish with a lemon or grapefruit zest twist.
