Cocchi Americano Bianco Aperitivo is an iconic Italian wine-based aperitif, created in Asti in 1891 and produced continuously according to Giulio Cocchi's original recipe. Celebrated for its distinctive botanical complexity and versatility in classic cocktails, this historic aperitivo has earned 95 points from Falstaff in both 2025 and 2023.

Originating in the heart of Piedmont, Cocchi Americano represents a distinctive expression of Italian aperitivo culture. It bridges the world of wine and spirits through the marriage of white wine, sugar and carefully selected aromatic botanicals infused in alcohol.

At the heart of the recipe is an aromatic infusion featuring gentian flowers and leaves, wormwood, cinchona bark, bitter orange peel and elderflower, together with other carefully selected herbs and spices.

The botanicals undergo cold infusion in alcohol before their extracts are blended with white wine. The resulting aperitif is refined to harmonise its aromatic components and achieve a balanced expression of sweetness, citrus and botanical bitterness.

Cocchi Americano takes its name partly from the Italian concept of "amaricato", referring to the bitterness introduced by herbs and spices, and partly from the American tradition of enjoying vermouth-style aperitifs over ice with soda.

Recognised in Asti as an emblematic local aperitif, Cocchi Americano also carries a distinctive historic label featuring a Futurist-style rooster designed in the 1930s, symbolising the awakening of the appetite.

Its botanical character and naturally bitter finish make it exceptionally versatile. Enjoy it chilled with ice, seltzer and a twist of orange, lengthen it with sparkling wine, or incorporate it into sophisticated cocktails.

Cocchi Americano is specifically recommended by the producer for classic and contemporary drinks including the Vesper Martini, Corpse Reviver No. 2, White Negroni and Americano Royale.

With more than 135 years of heritage, distinguished international recognition and a place in the vocabulary of modern mixology, Cocchi Americano is an essential addition to a refined home bar and professional cocktail programme.

• Historic Original Recipe: Created by Giulio Cocchi in Asti in 1891 and produced continuously since.
• Wine-Based Aperitif: White wine is aromatised with extracts from herbs and spices infused in alcohol.
• Signature Botanicals: Gentian, wormwood, cinchona bark, bitter orange peel and elderflower.
• Cold Infusion: Botanical extracts are obtained through cold infusion in alcohol.
• Balanced Aromatics: Refined to harmonise the botanical ingredients and their characteristic flavours.
• Classic Aperitivo: Traditionally served chilled with ice, seltzer and orange peel.
• Mixology Essential: Suitable for Vesper Martini, Corpse Reviver No. 2, White Negroni and many other cocktails.
• Versatile Mixing: Particularly compatible with gin, vodka and mezcal.
• International Recognition: Awarded 95 points by Falstaff in 2025 and 2023.
• Italian Heritage: An integral part of Asti's longstanding aperitivo culture.

Official Ingredients: Wine, sugar, alcohol and an infusion of aromatic herbs and spices.

Giulio Cocchi identifies the following among the botanicals used in its Americano:

• Gentian: Flowers and leaves of the gentian plant.
• Wormwood: A traditional botanical associated with bitter aperitifs.
• Cinchona Bark: A distinctive bitter botanical traditionally used in aromatised wines.
• Bitter Orange Peel: A source of characteristic citrus bitterness and aromatic lift.
• Elderflower: A fragrant botanical contributing a floral dimension.
• Additional Herbs and Spices: Selected components of the proprietary original recipe.

The botanical extracts are prepared by cold infusion in alcohol. They are then used to aromatise the white-wine base before the blend is refined for balance and integration.

This botanical list identifies prominent ingredients disclosed by the manufacturer and is not represented as an exhaustive disclosure of its proprietary recipe.

Aromatic Character: A distinctive combination of citrus peel, fragrant herbs, floral botanicals and bitter-spice complexity, reflecting the producer's disclosed ingredients.

Palate: A wine-based aperitif balancing sweetness with the bitter characteristics of gentian, wormwood and cinchona.

Citrus Notes: Bitter orange peel brings an aromatic citrus dimension to the botanical blend.

Floral Notes: Gentian flowers and elderflower contribute to its distinctive botanical profile.

Finish: Characteristically bitter, with sufficient intensity to retain its identity when diluted with ice, seltzer or sparkling wine.

Overall Style: Aromatic, bittersweet and refreshingly botanical, suitable both for aperitivo service and as a cocktail ingredient.

These descriptions are an interpretation of the producer's ingredient and serving information, rather than a separately published formal tasting note.

Cocchi Americano has received international recognition for its distinctive character and quality, including 95-point ratings from Falstaff in both 2025 and 2023.

• 95 Points — Falstaff Spirits Special 2025.
• 95 Points — Falstaff Spirits Special 2023.
• 92 Points — Falstaff Spirits Special 2022.
• 92 Points — Falstaff Spirits Special 2021.
• Excellence Spirits Award 2020 — Roma Bar Show.
• Bronze Medal — International Spirits Challenge 2012.

These distinctions demonstrate the enduring relevance of Cocchi Americano, whose original formulation remains an important expression of Italian aperitivo tradition.

Scores and awards are listed by Giulio Cocchi on its official product page. Assessment years refer to the awards, not to wine vintages.

Giulio Cocchi recommends enjoying Americano well chilled or incorporating it into a wide range of classic and contemporary cocktails.

• Classic Cocchi Americano: Serve well chilled in a cocktail glass with ice cubes. Add a splash of seltzer and finish with expressed orange peel.
• Spritz Americano: Combine Cocchi Americano with dry sparkling wine in a wine glass for a refreshing aperitivo.
• Americano Royale: Prepare a premium sparkling variation using traditional-method Alta Langa DOCG sparkling wine.
• Summer Americano: Serve over abundant crushed ice for a refreshing, longer-style drink.
• Vesper Martini: Use Cocchi Americano as the aromatic wine component in this classic gin-and-vodka cocktail.
• Corpse Reviver No. 2: Use as the aromatised wine ingredient in this historic cocktail.
• White Negroni: Incorporate into a botanical-forward variation featuring gin and other bitter components.
• White Mezcal Negroni: Explore its combination with mezcal for a smoky, botanical variation.
• Low-ABV Cocktails: Use as a wine-based foundation in lighter, longer drinks with suitable non-alcoholic mixers.

The producer specifically highlights its compatibility with gin, vodka and mezcal, as well as its use in botanical infusions and lower-alcohol cocktail preparations.

The naturally bitter character remains noticeable even when the aperitif is generously diluted.

• After Opening: Close the bottle securely with its cap.
• Storage: Keep in a cool place after opening.
• Consumption Period: Giulio Cocchi recommends consuming within one month after opening.
• Serving: Chill before serving or serve over ice according to the chosen preparation.

BBPH Guidance: Refrigeration after opening is a practical way to help maintain cool storage conditions, particularly in warmer climates. Always recap the bottle and follow the manufacturer's one-month recommendation.

Do not assume the prolonged shelf life of higher-proof distilled spirits. Cocchi Americano is a wine-based product containing 16.5% alcohol.

The bittersweet, herbal and citrus character of Cocchi Americano makes it particularly suitable for Italian aperitivo occasions and light savoury dishes.

• Italian Charcuterie: Prosciutto, salame, coppa and other delicately cured Italian meats.
• Olives and Antipasti: Marinated olives, artichokes, roasted peppers and pickled vegetables.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Small pieces of aged cheese complement its citrus and bitter notes.
• Seafood: Chilled prawns, oysters or simple seafood antipasti.
• Bruschetta: Rustic toasted bread with tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil.
• Focaccia: Rosemary focaccia with sea salt and quality olive oil.
• Light Canapés: Delicate savoury bites suitable for cocktail receptions.

These food pairings are suggested by Barrels & Beyond PH and are not presented as official Cocchi recommendations.

• Producer: Giulio Cocchi S.r.l.
• Brand: Cocchi
• Official Product Name: Cocchi Americano
• Commercial Description: Americano Bianco Aperitivo
• Category: Wine-Based Aperitif
• Product Style: White Aromatized Wine
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Origin: Asti
• Original Recipe: 1891
• Base: White Wine
• Ingredients: Wine, Sugar, Alcohol, Aromatic Herbs and Spices Infusion
• Notable Botanicals: Gentian, Wormwood, Cinchona Bark, Bitter Orange Peel, Elderflower
• Production: Cold Alcoholic Botanical Infusion
• Alcohol Content: 16.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Serving: Well Chilled, Over Ice or in Cocktails
• After Opening: Recap, Keep Cool and Consume Within One Month
• Mixology Applications: Vesper Martini, Corpse Reviver No. 2, White Negroni, Spritz Americano, Americano Royale

Giulio Cocchi is a historic Italian producer of aromatized wines, vermouths and sparkling wines, founded in Asti, Piedmont, in 1891.

Its founder, Giulio Cocchi, was a young pastry chef originally from Florence who developed an interest in Piedmont's traditions of combining wine with aromatic herbs and spices.

In Asti, he created original recipes for Barolo Chinato, Americano and vermouths that would become closely associated with the region's aperitivo culture.

The company's success grew through innovative tasting establishments and international distribution, bringing Cocchi aperitifs to customers beyond Italy.

Since 1978, Giulio Cocchi has been owned and operated by the Bava family, respected Piedmontese wine producers with roots in Monferrato and Langhe.

The company continues to preserve its original recipes while applying generations of expertise in winemaking, botanical selection and aromatized wine production.

Cocchi Americano remains one of its most iconic creations. First introduced in 1891, it embodies the continuing appeal of Italian aperitivo traditions and the versatility of finely crafted wine-based cocktails.