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Negroni Whale: the recipe for the colour-changing cocktail with Balena Pink Gin

Negroni Whale: la ricetta del cocktail con Gin Balena Pink che cambia colore

There's a cocktail that, in just a few seconds, tells a story eighty years long. It's called Negroni Whale: a liquid tribute to the sperm whale that, on 4 April 1943, ran aground on the shore of San Giuliano a Mare, in Rimini, and inspired the birth of Gin Balena Pink. It's our signature Negroni — maritime, aromatic and deeply Italian: a classic reinvented with the craft gin that changes colour.

What Is the Negroni Whale

The Negroni Whale is our take on the world's most famous Negroni. In place of the classic gin we use Gin Balena Pink, the Italian craft gin from Rimini with 9 botanicals including the Butterfly Pea, the flower that gives the spirit its deep blue and lets it turn pink on contact with acidic elements. The result? A drink with an intense yet elegant character, with saline and citrus notes that recall the Adriatic.

Negroni Whale Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cl of Gin Balena Pink
  • 3 cl red bitter (e.g. Campari)
  • 3 cl of red vermouth with citrus notes
  • Ice cubes

Method:

  1. Fill a short glass (tumbler) with ice cubes.
  2. Pour the Balena Pink Gin, the red bitter and the red vermouth straight into the glass.
  3. Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 10 seconds.
  4. Garnish with a slice of dehydrated orange and a mandarin peel.
  5. Serve immediately.

Why It's Called the Negroni Whale

The name is a tribute to the story that gave life to Balena Pink Gin. On 4 April 1943 a sperm whale ran aground on the shore of San Giuliano a Mare, in Rimini. That mysterious creature became a symbol for the local community. Decades later, that memory turned into a craft gin and into a cocktail that bears its name: Whale, whale, in honour of that sperm whale.

Bartender's Tips

For the perfect Negroni Whale, use quality ice (large, clear cubes) to keep the drink from diluting too much. Choose a red vermouth with pronounced citrus notes to bring out its dialogue with the bitter. The mandarin peel completes the aromatic experience.

When to Serve the Negroni Whale

It's the quintessential aperitivo cocktail, perfect at sunset on the Rimini beach. It pairs with boards of cured meats, aged cheeses and crostini with anchovies.

Visit our cocktail page or buy Balena Pink Gin.