Cocchi Miniatures Set From The Whisky Exchange Review

Reviewed by Dee Ryz

Nothing says Christmas, quite like cocktails. From traditional eggnog to mulled wine and anything fizz-based, there’s something for everyone. Sometimes, however, it’s a bit more fun to experiment, and with the five Cocchi Miniatures from the Whisky Exchange, now you have the perfect excuse to push the boat out, cocktail-wise, this Christmas.

Each set comes with 5cl each of the Cocchi American, Americano Rosa, Vermouth di Torino, Dopo Teatro and Barolo Chinato, and while all of the miniatures are 16.5% alcohol or under, they still pack a delightful punch!

Cocchi was founded by Giulio Cocchi, in Asti, Italy back in 1981. He was a pastry chef interested in a multitude of food and wine combinations, and this led to him producing his own liquors, a selection of which are now available to enjoy as part of this lovely gift set.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Cocchi liquors, please let me introduce them for you now. Firstly, we have, probably the most famous Cocchi liquor. The Americano. It is a slightly bitter wine-based liquor, a result of the infusion of various herbs and spices, including bitter orange peel and elderflower, with crisp white wine. You can use this to make a Spritz Americano – a heady mixture of bitter Americano and sparkling wine – or even make a twist on a delicious White Negroni.

Next, we have the Americano Rosa, a red-wine based liquor made in a similar way to the Americano, using slightly more perfumed aromas including saffron, vanilla and rose. The best way to enjoy this tipple is either over ice, mixed with soda water and grapefruit (I’d recommend this as a refreshing pick-me-up), or as a Spritz.

Moving away from the ‘Americano’ duo, we have the Vermouth di Torino and the Dopo Teatro – both classic vermouths. Vermouth di Torino is an airy amber vermouth, heavy with citrus bitters. The perfect ingredient for a Manhattan or traditional Negroni. Whereas, the Dopo Teatro is a rich, woody vermouth – again, I wouldn’t say no to it in any vermouth based cocktail.

Finally, we have the Barolo Chinato, a fortified wine (it used to be drunk for medicinal purposes), laced with cardamom, rhubarb root and a whole host of secret herbs and spices. An ideal after dinner digestif.

As an avid Negroni fan, I had previously enjoyed a tipple or two using Vermouth di Torino, so I couldn’t wait to try the other Cocchi miniatures. Having made a mixture of cocktails for myself and my husband, I couldn’t pick my favourite! Perhaps the Americano Rosa would narrowly clinch the top spot, which I drank, as advised, with some soda water and grapefruit over ice (zesty!). As for the other end of the table? That would probably be the Barolo Chinato as it did have a slightly medicinal taste, however it certainly didn’t put me off! Overall, I could definitely see myself getting cosy round the fire with one of these tasty treats in hand.

So whether your other half is looking to add a little more spice to their Negroni, or has a sweet tooth for Vermouth, this gift set, priced at £27.95 (excluding delivery), would make the perfect gift this Christmas.

Rating: TBC

RRP: £27.95

For more information or to buy direct from The Whisky Exchange, visit www.thewhiskyexchange.com