Is China China a vermouth?

Answered by John Hunt

China China is not a vermouth. While both China China and vermouth are bitter liqueurs, they have distinct characteristics and production processes that set them apart.

Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with a variety of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and sometimes even fruits. It is typically aromatized with wormwood and other botanicals, giving it a unique bitter and herbal taste. Vermouth is often used as an ingredient in cocktails like the classic Martini or Negroni.

On the other hand, China China is a bitter liqueur that is made from macerated and distilled orange peels, along with a blend of aromatic and spicy plants. It has a strong orange flavor with a bitter and slightly spicy undertone. China China is not fortified wine-based like vermouth, but rather a blend of distillates and macerations.

China China has a long history, with its production dating back to 1875. It is produced by Bigallet, a well-known distillery in France. The process of making China China involves macerating and distilling orange peels to extract their flavors, which are then blended with a mixture of aromatic and spicy plants. This combination of ingredients creates a complex and unique flavor profile.

In terms of taste, China China is quite different from vermouth. While vermouth has a more herbal and sometimes medicinal taste, China China has a distinct orange flavor with a pronounced bitterness. It can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif or used as an ingredient in cocktails.

One cocktail that showcases the unique flavors of China China is a variation on a Manhattan. By substituting China China for vermouth in a traditional Manhattan recipe, you can create a drink with a different twist. The bitterness of China China adds depth and complexity to the cocktail, enhancing the flavors of the whiskey and bitters.

China China is not a vermouth but a bitter liqueur with a distinct orange flavor. It is produced by Bigallet and has a long history dating back to 1875. While vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with botanicals, China China is made from macerated and distilled orange peels blended with aromatic and spicy plants. Its unique flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient in cocktails and a delightful digestif on its own.