Food - Drink
What Is Cocchi Americano And How Do You Drink It?
By LUCY CLARK
Aperitifs are drinks meant to be served before dinner, and they're characteristically dry with a low alcohol content. This category of drinks can be traced back to the 5th century, and though the Italian aperitif Cocchi Americano may have been born much later in the 19th century, this refreshing, citrusy drink is still beloved today.
The recipe for this Moscato-based drink was recorded as early as 1891, and contains an herb called gentian, cinchona bark, orange peel, juniper, rose, coriander, rhubarb, and mace, which are mixed with Moscato and aged for a year. Cocchi Americano's unique flavor profile is bright, refreshing, herbaceous, and spiced.
The aging process allows the flavors of Cocchi Americano to merge before it's bottled, and the aperitif is bitter and stronger than other aromatized wines, so it shines in a classically bitter cocktails like Negronis. For fruity drinks, Cocchi Americano Rosa is a variation that uses Brachetto and Malvasia plus ginger and rose petals.
Total Wine & More also recommends adding sparkling wine or club soda to Cocchi Americano, plus fresh grapefruit, orange, or another citrus for a simple, bright, and not-too-sweet cocktail. Cocchi Americano is fairly popular in most countries, so you should be able to find it in your local liquor store, but it can also be purchased online.