The Negroni, a timeless classic, has captivated cocktail enthusiasts for decades with its bold, bittersweet profile. While the traditional recipe calls for equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the world of mixology is always evolving, giving rise to intriguing variations. Among these, the Off-White Negroni stands out as a sophisticated and subtly different take on the beloved aperitivo.
Origins of the Negroni
Before delving into the specifics of the Off-White Negroni, it’s crucial to understand the roots of its crimson predecessor. The generally accepted story is that the Negroni was born in Florence, Italy, around 1919, at Caffè Casoni. Count Camillo Negroni, so the story goes, asked his friend, bartender Forsco Scarselli, to fortify his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. This substitution created a stronger, more complex drink that quickly gained popularity. Some dispute this, stating that it was actually General Pascal Olivier Comte de Negroni who created it for his wedding in 1857, in Senegal. The Negroni is a simple, equal-parts cocktail, yet it boasts a history of changes and variations. The drink has been documented in Italy since the late 1940s and became popular in the 1950s, with early recipes differing slightly from the modern standard.
The White Negroni: A Precursor to the Off-White
The White Negroni is a well-known variation, a clear, yellow-tinged cocktail that replaces Campari with the French aperitif Suze and sweet vermouth with Lillet Blanc. This cocktail was created in 2001 by British bartender Wayne Collins. The White Negroni is a lighter, crisper version with a floral, botanical flavor profile. While the classic Negroni showcases Italy’s bitter-sweet flavors, the White Negroni leans towards a more French approach, replacing the red amaro with Suze and sweet vermouth with Lillet Blanc.
The Off-White Negroni: A Subtle Shift
The Off-White Negroni takes the concept of the White Negroni a step further, resulting in a cocktail that is subtly different from both its predecessors. The Off-White Negroni typically uses Old Tom gin for a slightly sweeter, maltier base, Cocchi Americano, a wine-based aperitif with a gentian bitterness, for the vermouth component and a French gentian liqueur, often Suze. This combination results in a drink that’s lighter, more aromatic, and less bitter than the classic Negroni, while adding extra layers of complexity. The Off-White Negroni is an intriguing drink that is both familiar and unique, showcasing how small changes can create an entirely new flavor experience.
Ingredients
The specific ingredients are what distinguish the Off-White Negroni from other variations:
- Old Tom Gin: Unlike the traditional London Dry gin, Old Tom gin has a slightly sweeter profile. It adds a touch of richness to the cocktail. Some consider Plymouth Gin as a good alternative because of its smooth, balanced taste.
- Suze: This French aperitif is made from gentian root and imparts a distinctive bitter and herbaceous flavor. Suze adds a bright, yellow hue to the drink. Some other aperitifs that could be used include Select Aperitivo for a slightly less bitter and more citrusy profile or Peychaud’s Aperitivo for a woody, herbal bitterness.
- Cocchi Americano: This aromatized wine, while sometimes categorized as a vermouth, serves as the white vermouth component. Its flavor is floral, with notes of citrus and a subtle bitterness.
Recipe
The recipe for an Off-White Negroni is very similar to the traditional Negroni, it follows an equal parts format. This particular version utilizes a saline solution, this helps to enhance the other flavors in the drink.
- 1.5 oz Old Tom Gin
- 0.75 oz Suze
- 0.75 oz Cocchi Americano
- 2 dashes of saline solution (4:1 ratio of water to salt)
Instructions
- Chill Your Glassware: Start by chilling a coupe glass. This helps to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the Old Tom gin, Suze, and Cocchi Americano.
- Add Saline Solution: Add the saline solution to the mixing glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice.
- Stir Well: Stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds, until the drink is well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and use as a garnish.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final result of any cocktail, and the Off-White Negroni is no exception.
Gin Selection
While the recipe specifies Old Tom gin, it’s crucial to select a high-quality gin that complements the other ingredients. Some great options for a Negroni include:
- Beefeater: A classic London Dry gin with a bold, juniper-forward taste.
- Fords Gin: Known for its balanced flavor profile and a slightly higher ABV, making it ideal for cocktails like the Negroni.
- Sipsmith: A traditional London Dry gin with clean juniper and fresh citrus notes.
- Plymouth Gin: Offers a smooth and well-balanced taste, with herbal and citrus notes.
Sweet Vermouth Alternatives
Cocchi Americano is essential to the Off-White Negroni; however, if you are making a classic red Negroni, the selection of sweet vermouth is crucial. Some great options include:
- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino: A classic Torino-style sweet vermouth with notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
- 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso: A balanced and aromatic sweet vermouth with a complex flavor.
- Dolin Rouge Vermouth de Chambéry: A lighter, more botanical-forward vermouth with subtle nutty notes.
Other Considerations
- Freshness: Use fresh, good quality ingredients.
- Balance: Pay attention to the balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy elements.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different gins and aperitifs to find your perfect combination.
The Off-White Negroni: A Cocktail for All Seasons
The Off-White Negroni is an elegant and sophisticated cocktail that is suitable for various occasions. Its lighter profile makes it a refreshing choice for spring and summer. The aromatic notes and subtle bitterness make it an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal, or as a digestif. This cocktail’s versatility, combined with its nuanced flavors, makes it an intriguing and exciting addition to any cocktail repertoire.
Variations and Further Exploration
The world of Negroni variations is vast and ever-evolving. Here are a few other variations that can be explored:
- White Negroni Sbagliato: This version uses sparkling wine instead of gin, giving it a lighter, spritzy profile.
- Negroni Bianco: A variation that further departs from the classic Negroni with a completely different flavor profile.
- Alpine Negroni: A variation of the White Negroni with alpine influences.
- Green Negroni: A bittersweet and complex version, with a striking green color.
Conclusion
The Off-White Negroni is more than just a variation of a classic cocktail; it’s a testament to the creativity and evolution of mixology. By combining Old Tom gin, Suze, and Cocchi Americano, this drink offers a sophisticated and nuanced flavor experience. Whether you are a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the Off-White Negroni is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the many dimensions of this iconic drink.
