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Italian White Negroni: Gin, Suze & Lillet Blanc

The White Negroni is a modern twist on the legendary Italian aperitif that first appeared in Florence in the early 20th century. By replacing Campari with the gentian-rich Suze liqueur and sweet vermouth with the floral brightness of Lillet Blanc, this pale-gold cocktail balances elegant bitterness, citrus lift and herbal depth. Each stir introduces silky gin at its purest, coaxing out fresh botanical notes before the gentle Seuzine swirl softens the profile. Served over large ice cubes in a chilled rocks glass and finished with a fragrant lemon twist, the White Negroni offers a refined, lighter take on the classic. Its bright color and nuanced layers make it perfect for a sophisticated aperitif, a summer evening on the terrace or as an elegant prelude to a Italian-inspired meal. The result is an unforgettable marriage of tradition and innovation—bittersweet, aromatic, and effortlessly chic.

Beverage | Italian | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegan | Negroni | Mixing Glass | Rocks Glass | Sieve | Gin | Lemon | Lillet Blanc | Suze | Stirring | Straining | Aperitif | Summer | Under 15 Minutes
Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

5min

Total

10min

Ingredients (Makes 1 cocktail)

Main

  • 1½ ounces (45 ml) gin
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) Lillet Blanc aperitif
  • ½ ounce (15 ml) Suze gentian liqueur

For Serving/Garnishing

  • 1 lemon twist
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 173 kcal per 100 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
Directions

Chill Glass

  • 1. Place a rocks glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you assemble the cocktail.

Stir Cocktail

  • 2. In a mixing glass, combine gin (45 ml), Lillet Blanc (30 ml) and Suze (15 ml). Add ice and stir gently for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and properly diluted.

Strain & Serve

  • 3. Discard ice or water from the chilled rocks glass. Strain the cocktail over one large ice cube or fresh ice.

Garnish

  • 4. Express oils from a lemon twist over the surface, then place it in the glass. Serve immediately.
Cookix's Secrets

Bitterness Balance

  • Adjust the Suze by ±2 ml if you prefer a softer or more pronounced gentian note.

Citrus Oils

  • Peel a long, thin lemon strip to maximize aromatic oils when expressing over the drink.

Glassware

  • Use large-cube ice to slow dilution and keep the cocktail colder longer.

Herbal Infusion

  • Infuse gin with fresh rosemary or thyme for 2 hours to introduce savory herbal aromas.

Ice Quality

  • Use filtered water to make clear ice, enhancing presentation and flavor purity.

Low-ABV Twist

  • Replace half the gin with tonic water or non-alcoholic gin for a gentler, sessionable version.

Seasonal Citrus

  • Swap lemon twist for grapefruit peel to highlight seasonal citrus notes in autumn and winter.

Sparkling White Negroni

  • Top the stirred cocktail with a splash of Prosecco or dry sparkling wine for effervescence.

Spicy Edge

  • Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a dash of gentian bitters for a subtle peppery warmth.

Stirring Technique

  • Stir with a bar spoon in smooth, even circles to control temperature and dilution.