White Negroni
A sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni, the White Negroni offers a lighter, more herbal, and subtly bitter profile. This interpretation combines Gin, Lillet, and the distinct character of Green Chartreuse for a complex and refreshing aperitif. Learn how to make this elegant cocktail perfectly every time with our easy-to-follow recipe. It's ideal for sipping before dinner or enjoying on a warm evening, showcasing a unique balance of botanicals and bitterness.
Ingredients
- 3 cl gin
- 3 cl Lillet
- 3 cl green chartreuse
- 1 piece lemon peel
- pieces ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 lowball glass
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
Instructions
Chill your lowball glass, preferably in the freezer for a few minutes.
Fill the base of your shaker (or a mixing glass) with plenty of ice cubes.
Pour the Gin, Lillet, and Green Chartreuse over the ice.
Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. The goal is to chill and dilute the drink properly without over-aerating.
Place one large, clear ice cube into your chilled lowball glass.
Using a strainer, pour the chilled cocktail mixture over the large ice cube in the lowball glass.
Take the lemon peel, hold it skin-side down over the drink, and give it a sharp twist to release its fragrant oils onto the surface.
Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink or place it neatly on the rim for garnish.
Trivia
- What is a White Negroni?
A White Negroni is a modern cocktail variation of the classic Negroni. It typically swaps the red Campari and sweet vermouth for clearer or paler ingredients like a gentian liqueur (like Suze) and a blanc/bianco vermouth or Lillet Blanc, resulting in a lighter color and a different, often more herbal or floral, flavor profile alongside the gin base.
- How does this White Negroni variation taste?
This specific White Negroni, made with Gin, Lillet, and Green Chartreuse, is assertively herbal and complex. The gin provides the botanical backbone, Lillet adds a honeyed, floral sweetness and slight bitterness, while Green Chartreuse contributes intense herbal, vegetal, and slightly sweet notes. It's bolder and more herbaceous than a traditional White Negroni with Suze and Lillet Blanc.
- What's the difference between a White Negroni and a Classic Negroni?
The main difference lies in the ingredients and resulting flavor profile. A Classic Negroni uses Gin, Campari (bright red, bitter-orange), and Sweet Red Vermouth, giving it a distinctive red color and a balance of bitter, sweet, and botanical notes. A White Negroni uses Gin but replaces Campari with a clear/yellow bitter liqueur (like Suze or, in this case, Green Chartreuse) and the Sweet Vermouth with a white counterpart (like Lillet Blanc or Dolin Blanc, or Lillet here), resulting in a paler drink with typically more herbal, floral, or gentian-bitter notes.
- Can I adjust the proportions in this White Negroni recipe?
Yes, absolutely. Equal parts (1:1:1) is standard for Negronis, but Green Chartreuse is quite potent. If you find this version too intense, try reducing the Green Chartreuse to 1.5 or 2 cl while keeping the Gin and Lillet at 3 cl each. Adjusting proportions allows you to tailor the drink's balance to your personal preference.
- What type of Gin works best in a White Negroni?
A classic London Dry Gin works very well, providing a solid juniper backbone that complements the herbal and bitter elements. However, you could experiment with more contemporary or floral gins to emphasize different notes within the cocktail. Avoid overly sweet or heavily flavored gins that might clash with the Lillet and Green Chartreuse.
- Why is a White Negroni stirred, not shaken?
Like the classic Negroni, the White Negroni consists entirely of spirits and fortified wine. Stirring with ice chills and dilutes the drink perfectly while maintaining a smooth, silky texture. Shaking would over-dilute and aerate the drink, resulting in a cloudy appearance and a less desirable texture for this style of cocktail.