White Negroni

restaurant-caliber cocktail in 30 seconds

This drink is astoundingly easy. Great for impressing friends and feigning effortless sophistication. Stock the bar once with these three components, and you will be ready to serve at the drop of a hat. No juices, herbs, tonics, tinctures, potions, infusions or frothing needed.

I like a White Negroni because it is a little less sweet than the classic, and there’s a way to make it with a gentian liqueur that is free of artificial coloring (unlike Campari). It feels like a lighter drink.

Makes 1.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz Gin

• 1 oz Lillet Blanc

• 1 oz gentian liqueur such as Salers or Suze—essentially the same except Salers has no artificial coloring

• Fresh lemon peel or twist

• Good ice

STEPS:

1. Add good ice to rocks glass. Extra points for big square cubes.

2. Add gin, Lillet Blanc, and gentian liqueur. Stir.

3. Garnish with fresh lemon peel/twist.

4. Serve!