White Negroni Cocktail Recipe

The white Negroni is a classy, albeit lesser-known, variation of the classic bitter, and boozy concoction that is the Italian Negroni cocktail. With a combination of gin, aromatic Lillet blanc, and a gentian-based liqueur, the white Negroni is a much gentler, and nuanced take on its bright red counterpart.

According to food Blogger Ksenia Prints of At the Immigrant's Table, both cocktails have botanical gin, and the better your gin is, the better your white Negroni will taste. While the original Negroni cocktail hits you over the head with the teeth-grinding notes in Campari, the white Negroni puts forth less sharp notes, thanks to the gentian-based liqueur. 

Instead of the red vermouth, the white Negroni spotlights Lillet blanc, a French wine-based liqueur that brings to mind lilac bushes in bloom. The result is a floral, sweet, tart, and captivating cocktail that is going to lull you into a dreamlike state, one sip at a time.

To make a white Negroni, you may have to go searching for some specialty ingredients, but trust us — it's more than worth it. 

First, you can use any gin, but a top-shelf mild-botanical or London dry gin will make your white Negroni all the more delicious. Next, you will need Lillet blanc, and a yellow, gentian root-based liqueur, such as Suze, or Cocchi Americano. For the garnish, we will use a lemon twist, so grab a fresh lemon.

Chill a martini glass by placing it in the freezer, or fill it with ice, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

To make a simple lemon twist, peel a few long ribbons off a lemon. Working gingerly with a small paring knife, gently scrape off the white pith from the peels. Cut away the jagged edges from the lemon peel, giving it a straighter, riboon-like appearance. Twist the peel around a straw or chopstick, and hold it for 1 minute, until it mostly keeps its shape.

Fill a shaker tin with ice. Add the gin, Lillet blanc, and gentian liqueur into the shaker. Shake until well-chilled, about 10 to 20 seconds. Pour the cocktail through a strainer into the chilled martini glass. Garnish it with the prepared twist for a classic appearance.