If you’re looking for a solid riff on the Negroni, chances are you’ve experienced the pure bliss of one and are looking into what else the Negroni world has to offer. The White Negroni ditches the classic red coloration for a clear drink, but maintains the characteristic Negroni floral bouquet and bitter duality.
How Is A White Negroni Different?
The one thing we’re maintaining from the standard Negroni is the gin. Again my preference is the Bombay Sapphire. We’re not trying to do battle with our amaro or sweetener. We’re trying to support it, and the Bombay is excellent in that capacity, keeping the drink light and crisp on the gin front.
What we ARE switching out is the Campari. As you may have noticed from the name of this cocktail, the White Negroni is supposed to be NOT red. Campari is most definitely red. So I went with an amaro from Cocchi called Americano. It’s a very light yellow bordering on clear in color, and shouldn’t add too much pigment to this drink. Cocchi Americano is still an amaro, and of course has the characteristic bitter finish that is the hallmark of any amaro or Negroni.
In addition, we’re going to ditch the vermouth for another clear liqueur which brings its own character to this classic. Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto. The flavor of this liqueur is both delightfully complex and at the same time complements the floral notes in the Cocchi Americano.
Making A White Negroni
At the end of the day, this IS still a Negroni though, and of course keeps its very simple construction of equal parts of all spirits. Upon first sip, you can expect that same buttery mouthfeel, the Italicus will be pretty forward in the drink, the Bombay Sapphire adding a hint of bite and that wonderful nose tingle upon exhale, and the Cocchi Americano delivering that intriguing bitterness on the swallow.
White Negroni Recipe
- 1oz Bombay Sapphire
- 1oz Cocchi Americano
- 1oz Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto
- Fresh orange peel (I usually do a generous 2-3 inch piece)
Combine all spirits in a mixing glass, fill halfway with ice (should barely cover the liquid) and stir for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over a single large cube. Fold the orange peel and run it around the rim of the glass before dropping it in the drink. Enjoy!