White Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Unique twist on a classic – This version is lighter and has a more floral flavor offering a delicious variation that will please any Negroni lover.

Customizable – You can adjust the ratios of the ingredients of this bitter aperitif very easily to give yourself a cocktail that perfectly suits your tastes. 

Elegant and easy to make – While a cocktail with complex flavors might seem like it would be complicated to make – this is certainly not the case with this recipe. 

Gin  – The best gins for any cocktail is your favorite, but a dry gin would work perfectly. I like to support distilleries that are local to me, so I chose High Wire Distillery’s Hat Trick Gin. 

Gentian liqueur – This is a bitter spirit is made from alcohol infused with gentian root and often other botanicals. It has an earthy bitterness that is the backbone of this cocktail. It takes the place of Campari. I used Suze, which gave this drink more of a bright yellow hue, making it look more like a yellow Negroni.

Lillet Blanc – This is a French aperitif that is an aromatized and fortified wine with floral and citrusy notes, which help balance the flavors of this drink. 

Lemon peel – A simple lemon twist provides a fresh, citrusy aroma every time you take a sip. A grapefruit peel would also make for a great garnish as its flavor profile is well-matched for this drink. 

Step 1: Add the gin and gentian liqueur to a mixing glass. 

Step 2: Add the Lillet Blanc and ice cubes. Stir with a bar spoon until well chilled.

Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon twist. I used the Viski Negroni glasses.

Stir, never use a cocktail shaker. Shaking would introduce too much air and dilution. Stir for at least 30 seconds for a well-chilled drink. 

Go for quality liqueurs. Since this has no “mixer”, it will only taste as good as the ingredients you use. 

For a smoky flavor, substitute Mezcal for the gin. 

Make a White Negroni Sbagliato by replacing the Lillet Blanc with a dry prosecco. 

What’s the difference between a Negroni and a White Negroni?

The main difference between the two lies in the different ingredients. A traditional Negroni uses gin, sweet vermouth, bitter Campari, and an orange twist garnish offering a richer, bolder drink. While a White Negroni uses gin, Suze, and Lillet Blanc, resulting in a lighter and more floral cocktail but with a similar bitter element.

What is a substitute for Suze (or gentian liqueur)?

Suze and Salers are both French gentian liqueurs that work interchangeably. Cocchi Americano Bianco or Luxardo Bitter Bianco are also great bitter liqueurs, offering a different but equally complex flavor profile.

What is the story behind the White Negroni?

The White Negroni was created by British bartender Wayne Collins at a trade show in France in 2001. It was an invention while experimenting with local French ingredients, aiming to create a lighter version of the classic Negroni.

Can you use vermouth bianco (white vermouth) instead of Lillet Blanc?

Yes, you can certainly use vermouth bianco (like Dolin Blanc or Martini Bianco) as an alternative to Lillet Blanc. If you’re a big fan of vermouth bianco, make sure to also check out my Martini Bianco Spritz.