Cocktail of the Week: The Temperance ‘White Logroni’

Using an innovative low-alcohol spirit from Portobello Road Distillery, why not try "a Negroni like no other you would have tried before” this Sober October?

It’s Sober October; if you’re interested. After the year-and-a-bit we’ve had, we’d forgive you for keeping the doors of your drinks cabinet open this autumn — especially with the darker nights and dreary weather setting in. Because, as proper and principled as sobriety may be, there are some things you can only fix with a good stiff drink.

But we’ve found a compromise. The masters of innovation over at London’s Portobello Road Distillery — the brand’s ‘Savoury Gin’ claimed ‘Best Gin’ at our recent Gentleman’s Journal Drinks Awards — have whipped up a lower-alcohol choice for those looking to cut-down without cutting out altogether. ‘Temperance Spirit’ drops its alcohol content to 4.2%, but maintains the warm botanicals, juniper and citrus-forward flavours of gin.

“A Negroni like no other you would have tried before…”

It also makes a mean cocktail. The distillery recommend mixing the softer spirit into a sparkling ‘Petite 75’ or the a simple ‘Temperance & Tonic’ — but our favourite of the suggested serves is the ‘White Logroni’. It may lack the vivid red colour of a classic Negroni but, as with the spirit itself, the drink doesn’t lose any of its charm or bite as a result.

To achieve that clear colour, the other key components must also be tweaked. In place of Campari, Portobello Road advises you use Luxardo Biter Bianco, a transparent aperitif from the Italian brand. And, instead of sweet vermouth, they’ve swirled in a measure of the French aromatised wine, Lillet Blanc. Here’s how to make it…

How to make The Temperance ‘White Logroni’

Ingredients:

  • 25ml Portobello Road Temperance Spirit
  • 25ml Lillet Blanc 25ml
  • Luxardo Bitter Bianco Aperitif
  • Ice
  • Slice of Orange

Method:

  1. Fill a rocks glass with cubed ice A
  2. dd the Temperance Spirit, Lillet Blanc and Luxardo
  3. Stir for 20 seconds
  4. Garnish with the Slice of Orange

Want more spins on classic cocktails? Here’s how to make the ‘Banana Bread 1933’ Old Fashioned’…

Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more

Further reading