White Negroni (Negroni Bianco)

Name: White Negroni (Negroni Bianco)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1.5 Oz Bulldog London Dry Gin; 1 Oz Cinzano Bianco; 0.5 Oz Gentian liqueur; Lemon twist to garnish; Ice

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PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Gin

Great for

After Work

Difficulty

Easy

JUMP TO RECIPE

The White Negroni is a compelling twist on the classic Negroni. In short, it’s a lighter, more aromatic sipping experience that still retains the essence of the original. British bartender Wayne Collins crafted the White Negroni cocktail in the early 2000s as an inventive alternative to its more famous cousin. While the traditional Negroni draws its deep red colour from Campari, our White Negroni replaces it with Cinzano Vermouth Bianco.

So what exactly is a White Negroni? At its core, this cocktail is a balanced blend of three key ingredients: a botanical gin, a bitter gentian liqueur (often Suze), which gives the cocktail its bright yellow colour, and a fortified wine component. Each element contributes to the complex flavour profile, with the floral and citrus notes of the other ingredients softening the bitterness of the drink.

QUICK TIPS

Chill your glasses for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Twist the lemon peel over the glass to release the oils into the cocktail before garnishing.

Switch the lemon twist out for grapefruit for an even more complex cocktail.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

45 Ml

1.5 Oz

1.5 Parts

Bulldog London Dry Gin

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

Cinzano Bianco

15 Ml

0.5 Oz

0.5 Parts

Gentian liqueur

Lemon twist to garnish

Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, and stir well for at least 30 seconds

Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice

Garnish with a lemon twist and serve

Garnishing and serving like a pro

First rule? Simplicity is key. A lemon twist is the classic choice for a White Negroni. It adds a burst of citrus aroma that just works. Garnish with an edible flower, such as a viola or a pansy, for a more floral touch. These enhance the drink’s visual appeal and also add a subtle hint of flavour.

Feeling more experimental? A sprig of rosemary or thyme can add an herbal complexity that plays beautifully with the bitter notes of the cocktail. Another option is a grapefruit twist, which leans into the bitterness of the gentian liqueur while still adding a touch of sweetness.

Presentation tips to put your White Negroni over the top

The White Negroni is all about elegance, so let your glassware reflect that. A classic rocks glass allows the pretty golden hues of the cocktail to shine through. If you’re making a White Negroni Highball (see below), a tall, slender highball glass is ideal, especially when paired with crystal-clear ice cubes that won’t dilute the drink too quickly.

As for ice, large, slow-melting cubes are your best bet. They chill the drink without watering it down too fast, allowing you to savour each sip. Clear ice will also add a touch of sophistication to your presentation, making your White Negroni look as good as it tastes.

Get schooled: Manhattan Drink vs. Old Fashioned Cocktail: What is the Difference?

Amazing food pairings to try

The White Negroni is a versatile sipper that pairs well with a variety of dishes, thanks to its balanced flavours and dapper bitterness. Here are some pairing ideas to elevate your clinking experience:

Easy eats

Olives: The briny, slightly bitter taste of olives complements the bitterness of the White Negroni perfectly.
Almonds: Lightly toasted almonds offer a nutty contrast to the cocktail’s floral notes, making for a satisfying snack.
Goat cheese crostini: The creamy texture and tangy flavour of goat cheese work harmoniously with the cocktail’s botanical elements.

Mains

Grilled fish: A light, grilled fish like sea bass or halibut pairs wonderfully with the White Negroni. The cocktail’s citrus and herbal notes enhance the delicate fish flavours.
Risotto primavera: A creamy, vegetable-laden risotto provides a rich contrast to the drink’s bitterness while the fresh vegetables mirror the cocktail’s floral and citrus notes.
Ancient grains salad: A quinoa salad with fresh herbs, citrus, and avocado is an excellent vegan pairing. The salad’s brightness and creaminess balance the cocktail’s bitterness, making for a refreshing combination.

Desserts

Lemon tart: The tartness of a lemon dessert echoes the citrus notes in the White Negroni, offering a zesty end to your meal.
Panna cotta: A light, vanilla-flavoured panna cotta is a perfect match; its smooth texture and subtle sweetness enhance the cocktail’s delicate flavours.
Coconut sorbet: This delightful vegan dessert option offers a light-yet-creamy finish that complements the drink’s aromatic profile.

White Negroni variations

The White Negroni is a fantastic base for experimentation, and there are plenty of variations to explore. For those looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas:

White Negroni Sbagliato

The White Negroni Sbagliato is a playful twist on the original, where sparkling wine replaces the gin, yielding a lighter, bubblier version of the cocktail. To make one, simply swap out the gin for a dry Prosecco or Champagne and serve in a stemmed glass.

White Negroni Highball

To make a White Negroni Highball, follow the original recipe, but instead of serving it in a rocks glass, pour the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice. Top it off with soda water, and gently stir to combine. The result is a crisp, invigorating drink that retains the complex flavours of the White Negroni while adding a refreshing fizz.

This variation is ideal for those who enjoy a longer, more relaxed cocktail experience. The soda water not only lightens the bitterness but also enhances the botanical and citrus notes, making it an excellent choice for pairing with lighter dishes or enjoying on its own as a refreshing aperitif.

Botanical gin variations

The type of gin you use can significantly alter the flavour of your White Negroni. A gin with more floral or citrus botanicals will bring out those notes in the cocktail, whereas a more juniper-forward gin will emphasise the drink’s herbal side. Experiment with different gins to find your perfect sip.

Learn more: 8 Best Gins for Negroni in 2024

More Negroni recipes to try

If our White Negroni recipe has tempted you to try something new, may we suggest one of the following iterations of the always-classy classic Negroni:

Aperol Negroni
Kingston Negroni
Coffee Negroni
Negroni Sbagliato
Cynar Negroni
Frozen Negroni
Christmas Negroni
Oaxacan Negroni
Americano

Whether you stick to the classic White Negroni recipe or experiment with these variations, you’re sure to find a version that suits your taste. The White Negroni is more than just a drink; it’s a canvas for creativity, offering endless opportunities to explore new flavours and combinations. So grab your glass, mix up a White Negroni, and let the fun begin!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A White Negroni is a modern twist on the classic Negroni, featuring a lighter, more aromatic flavour profile. It replaces the traditional Campari with Suze or Lillet Blanc, giving the cocktail a pale, golden hue. The drink combines gin, a bitter gentian liqueur, and a fortified wine element. This results in a balanced mix of bitterness, floral, and citrus notes, offering a refreshing alternative to the original Negroni.

The primary difference between a White Negroni and a classic Negroni lies in the ingredients and flavour profile. While a classic Negroni uses gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the White Negroni substitutes Campari with Suze or Lillet Blanc and sweet vermouth with Cocchi Americano or Lillet Blanc. This swap results in a cocktail with a lighter, more aromatic taste, with pronounced citrus and floral notes, rather than the deep, bitter flavours of the original.

Yes, Suze can be substituted in a White Negroni, but it will alter the flavour. Lillet Blanc or vermouth bianco is a common alternative, offering a softer, less bitter taste. If you prefer a different level of bitterness or floral quality, experimenting with various gentian liqueurs or aromatic aperitifs can help you tailor the White Negroni to your liking, creating a unique variation of this popular cocktail.

Common garnishes for a White Negroni include a lemon twist, which adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the gin’s botanicals. For a more decorative touch, edible flowers like violas or pansies enhance both the visual appeal and the floral notes of the cocktail. Herbal garnishes like a sprig of rosemary or thyme can also add complexity, while a grapefruit peel offers a slightly sweeter, citrusy finish that pairs well with the drink’s bitter elements.