Chinotto is a small, bitter citrus fruit common to southern Italy. It's an important flavor compound in many Italian bitters and, along with some herbal extracts, is also the basis for a strongly-flavored cola-like drink of the same name. There are several brands of chinotto sold in Italy, but the most common one found in the US is by San Pellegrino. I love the stuff. The rest of my family hates it.
Some people compare it to Coca-Cola, but that's not really a fair comparison to either beverage. Coke is sweet and lighter in character; chinotto is bitter, with herbal notes and a hint of citrus behind it all. If I were to compare it to anything it would be Moxie - that old New England favorite that is, much like chinotto, an acquired taste.
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2 comments:
I love this, so hard to find though!!!
http://shamrockandshenanigans.blogspot.com/
Like you, I love this stuff but my family hates it. Can only find it in one place in a family-owned Italian store an hour away from me. Worth the drive to stock up.
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