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Kina aperitif and dashes of absinthe add all-important bitterness to balance this gin-based apricot-flavoured aperitif
Chris Brislawn
27th November 2024 at 20:39
The Luxardo Bitter Bianco is my favorite bitter aperitif for Vespers, using Ian Fleming's 12:4:1:1 proportions (with equal parts Luxardo and Lillet Blanc). I find the Luxardo makes a brighter, crisper, more martini-like Vesper than does Cocchi Americano or L'Aero d'Or. Slainte!
19th January at 13:09
With Luxardo BB: superbly clean and crisp. Certainly more like a classic dry martini than the Cocchi Americano version, but my palate is still learning to the latter, which has the characteristic quality of barrel aged white wine with vanilla notes - judiciously oaked white wines being one of my favourite things !
19th January at 12:21
Tried Bonal in a vesper following Simon’s recipe and it didn’t quite work, producing a rather ‘muddy’ flavour and lacking the sweetness and rich mouthfeel I’m looking for. … have to try Luxardo bitter Bianco next! On the up side I had some actual Gordon’s to honour the literary tradition!
27th November 2024 at 23:07
Interesting! I shall investigate further. Slainte 🥂
28th November 2024 at 03:38
My co-investigator and I are testing the 6:2:2:1 proportions this evening with Bonal Gentiane-Quina aperitif, and we both agree that it works just as well as the Tempus Fugit Kina, without being perfectly identical. The distinctive character of this drink is driven by your choice of aperitif (unless you're using truly unusual gin; I'm just using Empress Sapphire). Am interested to hear if you are able to compare the Bonal aperitif to the Luxardo Bitter Bianco, which I have not tried in this drink.