The White Negroni is a cocktail born from a happy accident—proof that necessity really is the mother of invention. Over 20 years ago, English bartender Wayne Collins found himself in Bordeaux, France, without the key ingredients for a classic Negroni: Campari and sweet vermouth. Thinking on his feet, he substituted Suze Liqueur and Lillet Blanc, creating an entirely new take on the beloved classic. The result? A subtle, earthy, and refreshing twist that would eventually take the cocktail world by storm. However, the White Negroni didn’t become an overnight sensation. Its rise was a slow burn, likely due to the difficulty of sourcing its French ingredients at the time. It wasn’t until New York’s high-end cocktail bars started pouring the drink—helped along by some determined Suze smugglers—that its popularity exploded. By 2012, the demand was impossible to ignore, prompting Pernod Ricard to officially import Suze into the U.S. From there, the White Negroni cemented its status as a modern classic. Today, this innovative cocktail is a favourite among gin lovers and a staple at the Garden Street Gin Club on Friday nights—proof that sometimes the best things in life come from a little improvisation. INGREDIENTS: 30ml Gingin Gin 30ml Suze Liqueur 30ml Lillet Blanc METHOD: Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled rocks glass. Stir for ten seconds to blend and garnish with an orange wedge.
