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Self-starter
Kina aperitif and dashes of absinthe add all-important bitterness to balance this gin-based apricot-flavoured aperitif
Chris Brislawn
7th December 2024 at 05:20
I hadn't thought of combining Luxardo Bitter Bianco with Cocchi Americano Bianco as a Kina Lillet substitute, probably because I have no problem getting the modern, wimpy version of Lillet Blanc where I live and fortifying it with whatever seems appropriate. We tried what I believe to be your version tonight with 6:2:2:1 proportions using Empress Sapphire and a half ounce each of Luxardo Bitter Bianco and Cocchi Americano Bianco as the Kina Lillet substitute. I agree with your impressions regarding herbal complexity and sweet-bitter-sour balance. The apricot remains noticeable against this fairly light Kina Lillet replacement (I have Drillaud Apricot liqueur, nothing fancy). Easily competitive with the versions I made before using Lillet Blanc and either L'Aero d'Or or Bonal; I dub it the Down-Under Self-Starter. In a spirit of Lillet-less solidarity I also made a version with a half-ounce each of Bonal Gentiane-Quina and a bianco vermouth di Torino. It was a bit less bitter and quite a bit more substantial with warm, complex herbal flavors but less apricot-y than the other versions, almost a different drink altogether. What shall we deconstruct next? Slainte'!
7th December 2024 at 12:38
I really enjoyed the bitter Bianco in the Bianco negroni… now there’s a thought…. I recently got a bottle of select and have been subbing it for Campari in all the usual locations, although tbh my favourite use has been just with soda water and a lemon wedge - summer weather really starting to crank right now 🤒
So: any negroni thoughts/ longings? I loved the Continental negroni just uploaded here.
So: any negroni thoughts/ longings? I loved the Continental negroni just uploaded here.
7th December 2024 at 17:34
Yes, the Luxardo Bitter Bianco is good in a White Negroni, too, but be sure to try it in a Vesper, split 50-50 with something (I use Lillet Blanc) or maybe by itself. We are coming into winter here, with snow on the high peaks and one good snowstorm in town so far. Going out tonight but we'll try the new Continental Negroni soon and decamp to its Comments Forum.