The White Negroni is a Summery Spin on the Original

In a most excellent cocktailing example of “necessity is the mother of invention,” the White Negroni was, according to drinks writer Robert Simonson, created by a bartender who had to make a round of traditional Negronis but didn’t have any Campari or sweet vermouth on hand. This was in 2001 in France, and the bartender was an Englishman named Wayne Collins. He solved his problem by grabbing a bottle of Suze and one of Lillet, both French aperitifs, and just like that, the White Negroni was born.

Our version uses Cocchi Americano instead of Lillet (and you can swap in Salers Aperitif for the Suze if you like). Either way, the result is a pleasing, summery take on the original Negroni.

Here’s the complete recipe:

Ingredients |

  • 1.5 oz gin
  • .75 Cocchi Americano
  • .75 oz Suze Gentian (or Salers Aperitif)
  • Lemon twist, for garnish

Method |

  • Add gin, Cocchi, and Suze to a mixing glass with ice.
  • Stir to combine and chill.
  • Strain over one large-format ice cube in a Rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon peel.