Chinotto is an Italian non-alcoholic beverage known for its distinctive bittersweet flavor. The name chinotto comes from the citrus fruit of the same name (citrus myrtifolia). Extract from this fruit forms the base of the drink’s flavor.
Chinotto: Italian Bittersweet Non-Alcoholic Drink
The taste of chinotto is typically bittersweet, with pronounced notes of citrus peel, herbs, and spices. The bitter component comes mainly from the essential oils in the peel of chinotto fruits. Its aroma is intense, citrusy and spicy, with a subtle herbal undertone. The flavor of chinotto is complex and in Italy it is a popular alternative to ordinary sweet sodas. In the country, it is considered a premium and iconic non-alcoholic beverage.
History of Chinotto
The origins of chinotto go back to the late 19th century, when the first recipes flavored with chinotto fruit began to appear in Italy. Initially, chinotto was mainly used as a medicinal tonic or aperitif, but gradually it became a favorite drink of the general public. The mass production of chinotto as a carbonated beverage took off in the 1940s and 1950s, when many Italian companies started to produce commercial versions of this drink.
Chinotto and Food Pairings
Thanks to its complex bittersweet taste, chinotto is often enjoyed as an aperitif. In Italy, this beverage is commonly served with pizza, panini, sandwiches, cold plates with cheese and cured meats, but also with various fried dishes such as arancini or fritto misto (a mix of fried seafood and vegetables). The bitter component of chinotto helps balance the rich and fattier flavors of these foods, making it an ideal companion to Italian cuisine.
Popularity of Chinotto in Italy
Chinotto enjoys great popularity in Italy. The drink is often associated with nostalgic memories of childhood and youth for many Italians. In many regions of Italy, especially in Liguria, Sicily, Calabria and other southern areas, chinotto is not only a popular drink, but also a part of local identity. Its popularity has further increased thanks to the trend of returning to traditional and natural products, as numerous producers have started making premium versions of chinotto using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods.
Chinotto Alternatives
There are several chinotto alternatives that try to approximate the original flavor, even though they are made from different ingredients. The best-known alternative is the (also Italian) drink “Sanbitter,” which has a similar bittersweet taste but does not use chinotto citrus. Another alternative is the classic “crodino,” an aperitif with a bitter citrus aroma. Crodino is often available even in Czech bars.
Chinotto is my drink of this summer. I have also often tasted the classic crodino and Sanbitter. However, the taste of chinotto is unbeatable for me, especially the version from the producer Lurisia. One bottle of premium chinotto from this producer can be purchased for around 2.60 EUR.
If you haven’t tried chinotto yet, give it a chance. Ice cold, with prosecco or just on its own, and for example with fresh basil (which my herb garden just offered), it is a fantastic drink.
Cheers!
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