This elegant modern classic was created at Dante, the renowned Italian restaurant and cocktail bar in Greenwich Village, New York. Established more than a century ago, Dante has become one of the world's most celebrated bars, known for reimagining classic cocktails while respecting their heritage.
The drink draws inspiration from two iconic Italian serves. The first is the Negroni, famous for its balance of bitterness, sweetness and botanical complexity. The second is the Angelo Azzurro, or "Blue Angel", a stylish Italian cocktail that enjoyed popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Combining elements of both results in a sophisticated aperitif that is bright, aromatic and beautifully layered.
What makes this cocktail particularly interesting is its use of three different white aperitifs, each contributing something unique. Mancino Secco provides a crisp, dry foundation and brings structure to the drink. Lillet Blanc adds gentle sweetness along with notes of citrus, honey and white flowers. Luxardo Bitter Bianco delivers the essential bitter component, performing a role similar to Campari but without the signature red colour. Instead, it contributes herbal complexity, spice and a clean, elegant bitterness.
While it is possible to substitute additional Mancino Secco or Lillet Blanc if one ingredient is unavailable, the resulting cocktail will lose some of its intended balance. The white bitter remains the crucial ingredient that ties everything together. If Luxardo Bitter Bianco cannot be sourced, Suze provides a worthy alternative, bringing its own distinctive gentian bitterness.
The result is a refined white aperitivo cocktail that showcases the depth and sophistication of modern Italian-inspired mixology.
Ease of Making: Easy.
Glass Type: Nick Nora.
Taste: Sweet and Dry.
Recipe:
- 30 ml Explorer’s gin.
- 30ml Mancino Secco.
- 15ml Lillet Blanc.
- 15ml Luxardo Bianco.
- 5ml Blue Curaçao.
- 3 drops of Orange Bitters.
- Garnish with Orange Peel.
Method:
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Wipe the rim of the glass with a little orange peel.
- Shake hard then strain into your glass.
- Garnish with orange peel.
Variations to Try:
- Double up on Lillet Blanc and remove the Mancino Secco.
- Use lemon bitters instead of orange.
