Lillet Negroni

Instructions

1. Fill a lowball glass (or Old Fashioned glass) generously with large, clear ice cubes.

2. Pour the gin, Campari, and Lillet Blanc directly over the ice in the glass.

3. Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for approximately 20-30 seconds. The goal is to chill and dilute the drink perfectly without over-agitating.

4. Take a fresh orange peel, express its oils over the surface of the drink by twisting it skin-side down.

5. Drop the expressed orange peel into the glass as garnish.

Trivia

• What is a Lillet Negroni?

  A Lillet Negroni is a cocktail variation of the classic Negroni where the traditional sweet vermouth is replaced with Lillet Blanc, a French aromatised wine aperitif. This substitution results in a lighter, slightly more floral, and less intensely bitter profile compared to the original Italian recipe.

• How does a Lillet Negroni differ from a classic Negroni?

  The primary difference lies in the use of Lillet Blanc instead of sweet vermouth. Sweet vermouth contributes rich, herbal, and spiced notes, characteristic of the classic Negroni. Lillet Blanc introduces lighter, floral, honeyed citrus, and subtle fruit characteristics, making the Lillet Negroni a brighter, more delicate alternative.

• What does a Lillet Negroni taste like?

  A Lillet Negroni presents a sophisticated balance of flavours. You'll experience the familiar bitterness from Campari, the botanical structure from gin, and the bright, floral, subtly sweet citrus and honey notes from Lillet Blanc. It's generally perceived as less bitter and lighter-bodied than a standard Negroni, finishing with refreshing elegance.

• What type of Lillet should I use for a Lillet Negroni?

  The standard and most commonly recommended type for a Lillet Negroni is Lillet Blanc. Its unique profile, featuring notes of candied orange, honey, pine resin, and subtle tropical fruits, harmonizes perfectly with the gin and Campari to create this specific Negroni variation.

• Can I use Lillet Rosé or Lillet Rouge instead of Lillet Blanc?

  While Lillet Blanc defines the traditional Lillet Negroni, experimentation can yield interesting results! Using Lillet Rosé would likely introduce more pronounced berry and grapefruit notes, creating a fruitier version. Lillet Rouge, being closer in profile to a sweet vermouth but still distinct, would create another unique Negroni variation, different from both the classic and the Blanc-based one.

• What is the best way to serve a Lillet Negroni?

  The Lillet Negroni is traditionally served stirred, not shaken, to maintain its clarity and smooth texture. It should be built directly in a lowball or Old Fashioned glass filled with quality ice. Stirring gently chills and dilutes the drink appropriately. Garnishing with an expressed orange peel is crucial as it enhances the citrus aromas and complements the drink's overall flavour profile.