Cocchi Americano Bianco Apertivo
Cocchi Americano Bianco Apertivo is the 16.5% ABV original — the white-wine Americano aperitivo Giulio Cocchi developed in Asti, Piedmont in 1891 and has produced without break ever since. Moscato d'Asti, fortified with a touch of brandy and cold-infused with gentian flowers and leaves, cinchona bark, bitter orange peel, elderflower, and wormwood, then rested a full year before bottling. This is the closest modern equivalent to the original Kina Lillet — the essential bottle for a proper Vesper or Corpse Reviver No. 2. Available in 750mL, order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 16.5%
- Size: 750mL
- Base wine: Moscato d'Asti, fortified with brandy
- Botanicals: Gentian, cinchona bark, bitter orange peel, elderflower, wormwood
- Rested: One year before bottling
- Origin: Asti, Piedmont, Italy — Giulio Cocchi (est. 1891)
The Kina Lillet Stand-In
When Kina Lillet was reformulated, bartenders went hunting — and landed here. Cocchi's Americano, built on the same bittered-wine template (from "amaricante," bittered), is widely cited as the closest thing to the original Kina, which is why it shows up in every serious Vesper recipe. For the rosé version, see the Cocchi Americano Rosa, or browse the full Cocchi range.
Tasting Notes
Clear, pale golden. Poached pear, honey-roasted fig, elderflower, fresh peach, stewed apricot, and orange marmalade on the nose; a floral opening gives way to muscat and apricot, honeyed yet tart zesty citrus, and bitter gentian, finishing on honey, citrus, and pine-fresh tart marmalade (per Difford's Guide).
How to Enjoy
Chilled over ice with an orange twist; a splash of club soda makes the classic Piedmont spritz. In cocktails: the Vesper (1 part + 2 parts sparkling wine, lemon wheel, mint for an Americano Royale), the Corpse Reviver No. 2, and the White Negroni.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cocchi Americano Bianco?
An Italian aperitivo wine — Moscato d'Asti fortified and infused with gentian, cinchona, citrus peel, and botanicals, rested a year before bottling. 16.5% ABV.
Can I use it as a Kina Lillet substitute?
Yes — it is the most widely recommended modern equivalent to the original Kina Lillet, and the go-to bottle for a Vesper.
Is it a vermouth?
No — it is an Americano, bittered with gentian rather than wormwood.
How do you serve it?
Chilled over ice with an orange twist, or with soda as a spritz.
The Vesper starts here — buy Cocchi Americano Bianco Apertivo online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.