White Negroni Cocktail

This French-inspired take on a classic Negroni is so easy to make and a perfectly elevated drink! Learn how to make a White Negroni cocktail.

The Negroni can be a polarizing cocktail, and I understand why!

The bitterness of the Campari just isn’t for some folks. But this new twist on the Negroni might be right up your alley if the traditional drink isn’t for you.

It’s a delicious French-inspired version with some new ingredients that you might not be too familiar with — another great reason to try the White Negroni cocktail!

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The History of the White Negroni

We’ve talked before about the history of the Negroni, originating in Florence Italy in 1919. Count Camillo Negroni ordered a classic Americano (soda, Campari, and vermouth) with gin instead of the club soda to create a something stronger. Boom – a Negroni!

But more recently, in the early 2000’s, a British bartender named Wayne Collins created an alternative version while in Bordeaux, France.

Inspired by his French surroundings, Collins kept the gin but substituted two French ingredients.

Instead of Campari, the White Negroni includes Suze, a bittersweet gentian liqueur.

And rather than vermouth, the White Negroni uses Lillet Blanc, which is a wine-based aperitif.

The result is once again a perfectly balanced cocktail with a very different flavor profile!

Modern Adjustments to the White Negroni Cocktail

Because one of the main complaints about a classic Negroni is that the Campari makes it too bitter when made in a balanced ratio.

For that reason, a White Negroni cocktail slightly tones down the bitter component (Suze), and makes up the difference with a little extra gin.

Easy peasy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic White Negroni cocktail recipe.

Gin. I don’t recommend anything fussy here; use your favorite or what you’ve got on hand! A London Dry gin is a nice compliment to the bitterness of the Campari.

Suze. A very fun bottle to add to your collection! It’s bitter and sweet, followed by a fruity orange taste.

Lillet Blanc. This is a French aromatized wine, and an alternative to vermouth. It has notes of fruits, honey, and herbs.

Lemon. Whereas a Negroni uses orange, the White Negroni utilizes lemon as a great compliment to the Suze and Lillet Blanc.

How to Make a White Negroni Cocktail

A White Negroni is incredibly easy to make! You can make them right in the glass.

Add your desired ice to a rocks glass.

Pour in 1 1/2 oz of gin, 1 oz of Lillet Blanc, and 1/2 oz of Suze.

Mix for 10-15 seconds to chill.

If you like, strain your drink over fresh ice. This step is totally unnecessary, and I actually like the White Negroni with a little ice melted into it, to mellow it out. Perfect!

Turn it Into a Sbagliato (and Other Alterations)

Don’t be afraid to try some substitutions!

You can turn this into a White Negroni Sbagliato by substituting prosecco for the gin. Yum!

Also, if the bitter-to-sweet ratio of the White Negroni isn’t quite right for you, don’t be afraid to adjust the measurements. More Suze will make the drink a bit more bitter, and less will make it a bit sweeter.

More Gin Cocktails to Try

Our library of gin cocktails is absolutely packed with delicious ideas!

If you like the White Negroni, I think you’ll love these:

• Gin and Prosecco Cocktail
• Butterfly Gin Fizz Cocktail
• Gin and Ginger Ale Cocktail Recipe
• How to Make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail
• French Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
• Classic Negroni

Cheers! xoxo