Cocchi Americano, 16.5% ABV

Cocchi Americano is widely regarded as the original Americano, and has been made continuously since 1891 using only natural ingredients. To aromatise the sweet white wine, a secret blend of herbs and spices are added to the Moscato base which is then steeped over a period of time. In recent years Cocchi Americano has risen to prominence as a perfect replacement for the now discontinued Kina Lillet made famous in such cocktails as The Vesper and Corpse Reviver No 2.

On the nose, it is spicy and sweet, with orange blossom, orange zest, elderflower and a hint of bitter herbs, with baked apples and pear drops developing in the glass. Complex but well-balanced on the palate, with a complimentary bitter and sweet character. Cloves and cinnamon sit alongside rich fruit, green herbs and citrus – orange and lemon zest. Behind that are more wine-like notes, providing a backdrop for the herbal, fruity and spicy flavours. A long and vibrant finish, balancing sweet citrus fruit and herbal bitterness before slowly revealing woody cinchona bark. An excellent aperitif, equally at home on its own, served long with soda as a spritz or in cocktail. Fresh tasting and bittersweet in just the right way.