Classic White Negroni Recipe

If you're looking to lighten up your cocktail game for summer, there are plenty of directions to pursue. Our favorite? A white Negroni. Most cocktail drinkers are at least familiar with a classic Negroni, whether or not they've tasted the boldly flavored beverage before. Food Republic recipe developer A.J. Forget brings us this variation, which will surely be a popular option at your next cocktail hour. 

As he notes, "The Negroni is one of those perfect, simple cocktails, and this white Negroni follows the same method to great success." Forget further describes that "Aromatic gin, bitter gentian liqueur, and sweet, fragrant fortified wine combine to make the sort of cocktail which is great as an aperitif, a digestif, or really just about any other time of day or night." While this boozy drink might not be number one on your brunch menu, it's a great way to decompress after a bustling day or to pump you up before a night out.

For this white Negroni, you'll need gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze. Make sure to have a fresh lemon on hand to use the peel for garnish. 

The world of gins is vast, so Forget recommends using "a traditional London Dry gin," and notes that "Tanqueray is a good choice, as the juniper and citrus flavors are well-balanced." Considering the other elements are packed with flavor, he suggests skipping the "flashy gin." 

If you're unfamiliar with Suze, the liqueur is made from gentian root. Forget explains that it "takes the place of Campari in the original, as the primary bittering agent," and describes, "It has an aromatic bouquet and a light sweetness, but the flavor is dominantly bitter, creating a similar overall taste to a classic Negroni."

Fill a large glass with ice, then pour in the gin and equal parts Lillet Blanc and Suze. Stir the contents for 30 seconds until the liquids are nicely chilled from the ice. 

Forget notes, "This cocktail is perfect for making ahead of time in batches," and instructs readers to combine the spirits in a pitcher in appropriate ratios "and chill individual servings as they are poured."

Set out a rocks glass with a single large cube of ice. Strain the white Negroni into the glass. 

Finally, drop the lemon peel into the drink as garnish and to infuse it with zesty notes.

"White negronis are a lovely aperitif cocktail and are made twice as lovely when accompanied by some nibbles," Forget notes. His go-to pairing is "A cheese platter or charcuterie board on the side," which he guarantees "makes for a wonderful happy hour." We know what we'll be doing this weekend!