What is a White Negroni?

What is a White Negroni?

The White Negroni is a lighter, floral twist on the classic Negroni. Instead of the traditional Campari and sweet vermouth, it uses SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth and Asterley Original Aperitivo, paired with a dry gin. This creates a balanced cocktail with herbal, citrus, and subtle bitter notes, perfect for those seeking a smoother alternative to the bold, red Negroni.

Key Points:

  • Ingredients: Gin, SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth, Asterley Original Aperitivo.
  • Flavor: Bright, herbal, and slightly bitter with floral undertones.
  • Recipe: 45ml gin, 30ml vermouth, 15ml aperitivo. Stir with ice and serve chilled.
  • Garnish: Lemon twist or thyme sprig.
  • Best Served: As a pre-dinner drink or at summer gatherings.

The White Negroni was created in 2001 by bartender Wayne Collins and has since become a staple on modern cocktail menus.

White Negroni - Modern Classic Cocktail Recipe

Main Ingredients

The White Negroni brings a fresh spin to the classic cocktail, relying on three key ingredients that work together seamlessly. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to create a well-balanced and modern drink.

Choosing Your Gin

Pick a dry gin that has a well-rounded botanical profile. Look for:

  • Juniper-forward flavors to complement the other elements
  • Hints of citrus and floral tones for added depth
  • A clean, crisp finish without overpowering spices

A London Dry gin with an ABV of 40% or more is ideal for showcasing these flavors.

SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth

SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth

SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth brings a refined touch to the mix, offering:

  • Herbal and floral accents that elevate the drink
  • A gentle bitterness for added complexity
  • A dry finish to keep the cocktail from leaning too sweet

Asterley Original Aperitivo

Asterley Original Aperitivo

Replacing the traditional Campari, Asterley Original Aperitivo delivers:

  • Rich, bitter undertones that define the White Negroni
  • A lighter, more intricate flavor compared to red bitter liqueurs
  • Botanical richness that blends perfectly with the gin and vermouth

Handcrafted by the Berry brothers, this British aperitivo adds a unique edge, balancing bitterness with botanical layers.

With these top-notch ingredients, you're all set to mix a flawless White Negroni.

Mixing Instructions

Now that you have your premium ingredients, it’s time to make the perfect White Negroni.

Recipe Measurements

Stick to these exact measurements for a well-balanced White Negroni:

  • 45ml premium London Dry gin
  • 30ml SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth
  • 15ml Asterley Original Aperitivo

These proportions strike the right harmony between the gin's boldness, the vermouth's depth, and the aperitivo's subtle bitterness.

Mixing Method

Here’s how to prepare your White Negroni step by step:

  1. Chill a Nick & Nora or rocks glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
  2. Fill a mixing glass with clear ice cubes.
  3. Add the gin, SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth, and Asterley Original Aperitivo.
  4. Stir with a bar spoon for 30-45 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
  5. Strain into your chilled glass using a julep strainer.

If you’re using a rocks glass, drop in one large ice cube before straining to keep the drink cold without watering it down too much.

Garnish Options

The finishing touch is all about the garnish. A lemon twist is the classic choice. Twist the peel over your drink to release its oils, rub it along the rim, and place it on or in the glass.

For a creative spin, try a sprig of thyme or a thin slice of green apple. Just keep it simple to let the drink’s flavors shine.

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Taste and Variations

Flavor Notes

The White Negroni offers a bright and layered flavor, blending juniper-forward gin, herbal SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth, and the citrus-bitter Asterley Original Aperitivo. This combination delivers a refined and complex taste, making it distinct from the classic red Negroni.

Recipe Adjustments

Looking to tweak your White Negroni? Here are a few ideas:

  • Use 10ml of Asterley Original Aperitivo and increase SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth to 35ml for a gentler flavor.
  • Experiment with different gins to highlight floral or citrus notes.
  • Swap the gin for prosecco to create a White Negroni Sbagliato, perfect for summer sipping.

Alternative Spirits

Want to mix things up? Try these substitutions for seasonal twists:

  • Replace Asterley Original Aperitivo with Dispense Amaro for a richer, herbal flavor.
  • Use 12ml of Dispense Amaro to balance its boldness without overpowering the drink.
  • Adjust ingredient proportions slowly to maintain that signature balance.

The key to successful variations is keeping the ingredients in harmony while exploring new flavors. Once you've nailed your favorite version, think about how to serve and pair it for the ultimate experience.

Serving Guide

Best Times to Serve

The White Negroni shines during:

  • Summer garden parties
  • Afternoon gatherings (4-7pm)
  • Pre-dinner drinks

Serve it chilled in a rocks glass over fresh ice. The cool temperature balances its layered flavors and keeps it crisp. For a more enjoyable experience, consider pairing it with food that complements its taste.

Food Matches

The White Negroni pairs beautifully with:

Light Starters:

  • Seafood with citrus accents, like fresh oysters or cured salmon
  • Simple appetizers such as grilled vegetables or tomato bruschetta

Main Courses:

  • Light seafood dishes
  • Grilled white fish
  • Fresh pasta with delicate sauces
  • Summer salads with citrus-based dressings

Choose dishes that highlight the cocktail's herbal and citrus flavors. For hosting, serve the White Negroni with small plates or canapés featuring botanical ingredients similar to those in the drink. This creates a well-rounded tasting experience that enhances both the cocktail and the meal.

Summary

The White Negroni offers a fresh take on the classic cocktail, blending gin, SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth, and Asterley Original Aperitivo for a lighter, aromatic drink. This combination delivers a layered flavor profile - bold gin, herbal vermouth, and a touch of bitterness from the aperitivo - creating a crisp and floral experience. Serve it chilled in a rocks glass with a lemon twist for an elegant aperitif.

This cocktail works well in a variety of settings, from relaxed summer gatherings to formal evening events. Its balanced flavors make it an excellent match for lighter dishes like seafood or fresh, seasonal ingredients [5].

Since Wayne Collins introduced the White Negroni, it has earned a place in modern cocktail culture [4]. Its refined yet accessible nature appeals to both seasoned cocktail fans and those new to aperitifs. With its unique flavor balance and adaptability, the White Negroni continues to spark curiosity and experimentation among cocktail lovers.

FAQs

What are the ingredients in a White Negroni?

A White Negroni is made with London dry gin, SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth, and Asterley Original Aperitivo in the proportions of 45ml, 30ml, and 15ml, respectively [1][3]. These specific ingredients set it apart from the classic Negroni.

What's the difference between a Negroni and a White Negroni?

The key difference is in the ingredients. A classic Negroni uses sweet vermouth and Campari, while the White Negroni swaps these for SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth and Asterley Original Aperitivo. This change results in a cocktail that's still bitter but has a lighter, more floral flavor profile [2][4]. The White Negroni offers a distinct mix of floral and earthy characteristics.

What is the flavor of the White Negroni?

The White Negroni blends bitterness with floral and earthy flavors, creating a lighter, aromatic option compared to the classic Negroni. SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth and Asterley Original Aperitivo contribute herbal depth and a crisp finish, making it an ideal choice for a summer aperitif [1][4].

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