Afternoons in Italy spent sipping spritzes and recharging with espresso were the inspiration for Julia Momose’s L’Aperitivo Caffè. “I was thinking about one of my current favorites, which is the Americano, a combination of fortified wine with bitter liqueur, topped off with soda,” says Momose. “This is just a couple of steps away from that.” Barley shochu and L’Aperitivo Nonino’s delicate flavors combine with coffee liqueur and tonic to create a simultaneously rich yet refreshing late-afternoon sipper. “An aperitivo is meant to give you a little pick-me-up.”
L’Aperitivo Caffè
Julia Momose | Kumiko, Chicago

Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 ounce L’Aperitivo Nonino Botanical Drink
- 1/2 ounce barley shochu (preferably Kintaro Roasted Barley Shochu)
- 1/4 ounce coffee liqueur (preferably Don Ciccio & Figli Concerto)
- tonic water, to top
Garnish: lemon peel (for expression), manicured lemon swath
Directions
- Build in a chilled highball glass over ice, and garnish with an expressed lemon peel and a swath of lemon peel.