“The White Mezcal Negroni is a direct descendant of the White Negroni, invented in 2001 by British bartender Wayne Collins. Collins and Nick Blacknell created the White Negroni at France's Vinexpo trade show, substituting Suze for Campari and Lillet Blanc for sweet vermouth when they couldn't find the traditional ingredients. The drink was later popularized in the US by Audrey Saunders at Pegu Club. The mezcal substitution emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance as bartenders explored agave spirits beyond traditional Mexican cocktails, creating a fusion of Italian cocktail structure with Mexican spirit character.”