China-China

Reference

Virieu / Isère / France

ABV40%

Sub-styles

amer liqueurchinchona bitterorange-quinine liqueur

Tasting Notes

Cinchona bark (quinine), bitter orange peel, gentian, caramel, coffee, warm spice, citrus zest, bittersweet chocolate. The 'china-china' name means double cinchona — expect quinine bitterness as the backbone. More complex and less sweet than modern Amer Picon.

Brand Guide

Primary: Bigallet China-China ($25-35) — the benchmark, most available Amer Picon substitute. Alternative: Amer Picon ($20-25, mainly in France). Torani Amer ($20-25, Nevada). Amaro CioCiaro ($22-28, Italian approximation). China-China is the bartender's choice because it's both available and historically authentic.

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The Story

Named for cinchona bark, not the country. A bittersweet Italian digestif built on quinine botany.