Cocchi Americano is an aromatised wine created in 1891 by Giulio Cocchi in Asti and produced without interruption ever since to the original recipe. It is bottled at 16.5% ABV.
Its name comes both from the alcohol made bitter, 'amaricato', by the addition of herbs and spices, and from the American habit of drinking vermouth with ice and soda.
It is built on Moscato wine from the Asti hills and flavoured with gentian, cinchona and citrus, giving it a bright, bittersweet, aromatic character.
It is recognised in Asti as the aperitif par excellence, a real piece of the town's history. Its label carries the original futurist rooster designed in the 1930s, representing its role in awakening the appetite.
It is a bartender favourite for classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver No. 2 and the Vesper.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Moscato, citrus peel and gentian.
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Palate: Bittersweet and aromatic, with cinchona and orange.
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Finish: Fresh and gently bitter.
Specifications
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Producer: Cocchi, Asti, Piedmont
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Created: 1891, Giulio Cocchi
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Style: Americano (aromatised wine)
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Base: Moscato wine
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Botanicals: Gentian, cinchona, citrus
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ABV: 16.5% (33 proof)
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Origin: Italy
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve Cocchi Americano the Italian way, over ice with a splash of soda water and an orange slice. It is essential in the Corpse Reviver No. 2 with gin, orange liqueur, lemon and an absinthe rinse, and in the Vesper with gin and vodka. It also makes a lovely spritz with prosecco, a lighter Negroni in place of the sweet vermouth, and a white Negroni with gin and a gentian aperitif. Pair it with olives, salted almonds, fresh cheeses and seafood antipasti. Like any wine-based aperitif, keep the bottle in the refrigerator once opened and enjoy it within a few weeks while it is fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Americano?
An aromatised wine made bitter ('amaricato') with herbs and spices, such as gentian and cinchona.
When was it created?
In 1891, by Giulio Cocchi in Asti.
How do I serve it?
Over ice with soda and orange, or in a Corpse Reviver No. 2 or Vesper.
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