White Negroni

ABV 25.4% / 3 alcoholic units

Primary ingredient: Gin

A Brief History of the White Negroni

The White Negroni is a modern interpretation that gained popularity in the craft cocktail renaissance of the 21st century. While the classic Negroni traces its roots back to early 20th-century Italy, the White Negroni represents a creative departure, offering a lighter and more nuanced alternative.

Its precise origins are a bit elusive, but bartenders and mixologists have embraced the White Negroni as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of cocktail culture, celebrating innovation while paying homage to tradition.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The White Negroni presents a palate-pleasing departure from its crimson predecessor:

• Gin Elegance: The core of the White Negroni is gin, introducing a botanical dance that adds a crisp and herbaceous dimension to the cocktail.

• Bittersweet: Americanos' distinct dusty, bittersweet scent and flavour which could be described as dandelion, citrus pith, anise and earthy mustiness of root herbs, creates a delicate balance with the gin.

• Bianco Brilliance: White vermouth, often Cocchi Americano or Lillet Blanc, contributes a touch of sweetness and a nuanced floral character, softening the bitterness.

The result is a cocktail that marries the classic Negroni structure with a lighter, more refreshing profile—making it a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated aperitif.

Food Pairings

• Light Cheeses: The White Negroni's subtle bitterness pairs well with a selection of light, creamy cheeses.

• Herb-Roasted Nuts: The herbal notes in the cocktail complement the savory richness of herb-roasted nuts.

• Ceviche: The cocktail's crisp and refreshing profile aligns beautifully with the bright flavors of ceviche.

Bar Equipment

• Mixing glass
• Mixing spoon
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine mesh strainer
• Rocks glass
• Jigger

Ingredients

• 30ml London dry gin
• 30ml Lillet Blanc
• 30ml Luxardo Bitter Bianco
• Garnish: Pink grapefruit twist

Method

• Place ice into mixing glass and pour all ingredients in whilst stiring for 20-30 seconds
• Double strain into a chilled rocks glass with a large ice cube
• Garnish with the grapefruit twist

What's the best Gin for a White Negroni cocktail? 

The best gin for a Negroni cocktail is typically a high-quality London dry gin. Here's why London dry gin is the preferred choice for this classic cocktail:

• Juniper-Forward Flavour: London dry gins are known for their strong juniper flavour, which is a defining characteristic of the Negroni. Juniper provides the cocktail with its signature piney and resinous notes.

• Balanced Profile: London dry gins typically have a well-balanced flavour profile, with a combination of botanicals and citrus notes. This balance complements the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of sweet vermouth in the Negroni.

• Versatility: London dry gin is versatile and pairs well with the other ingredients in the Negroni, creating a harmonious and classic flavour combination.

• Herbal Complexity: London dry gins often include a variety of botanicals, such as coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel, which add herbal complexity to the cocktail.

Popular brands of London dry gin that are frequently recommended for making Negroni cocktails include Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, and Gordon's. These gins offer a well-balanced juniper-forward profile that pairs beautifully with the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of sweet vermouth.

While London dry gin is the traditional and widely accepted choice for a Negroni, some enthusiasts also experiment with other types of gin, such as barrel-aged gins or botanical-forward gins, to create variations of the cocktail. If you enjoy exploring different flavour profiles, you may find these variations intriguing. However, if you're looking for a classic Negroni, London dry gin is the way to go.