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Vesper Cocchi Americano
A bitter, Kina-style Vesper built with Cocchi Americano instead of Lillet Blanc.
Base spirit
Gin
Style
Spirit-forward
Glassware
Cocktail glass
Technique
Stir
This Vesper variation swaps Lillet Blanc for Cocchi Americano, the bottle many bartenders prefer as a closer stand-in for the original Kina Lillet. Gin and vodka still frame the drink, but Cocchi brings more quinine bitterness and a drier, winey edge. Stirred ice-cold and finished with a long lemon twist, it is the bitter alternative to the classic Lillet Vesper.
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Did you know?
“After Kina Lillet was reformulated, many bartenders switched to Cocchi Americano for a Vesper with bitterness closer to the 1950s bottle.”
Source:Cocktail histories of Kina Lillet and modern Vesper practice
Bartender's Note
Use a high-proof gin and keep all ingredients ice cold. Cocchi Americano is more bitter than modern Lillet Blanc.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Vesper Cocchi Americano
- 1Chill a cocktail glass.
- 2Add gin, vodka, and Cocchi Americano to a mixing glass with ice.
- 3Stir until very cold.
- 4Strain into the glass.
- 5 a long lemon twist.
