August WAG features a profile of Edoardo Branca — managing director of the new Branca USA, a division of Fratelli Branca, the 174-year-old Milanese company that produces a variety of wines and spirits, including Fernet-Branca, a spicy, potent bitter; the vermouths Antica Formula, Carpano and Punt e Mes; the espresso liqueur Caffè Borghetti; and, coming to the United States this October, the brandy Stravecchio Branca.
We had a chance to sample a refreshing Carpano Bianco Spritz with grapefruit soda at the new Branca Bar at Greenwich Polo Club. There was also Fernet Buck, a cocktail made with Fernet-Branca and ginger beer.
Enjoy these and other cocktails as the competition heats up for the East Coast Open Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and 8. For more, visit brancadistillerie.com and greenwichpoloclub.com. – Meanwhile, the folks at Chambord, the French black raspberry liqueur, wrote to tell us of their holiday gift sets featuring 375 ml of Chambord and a two 175 ml of Korbel Brut Champagne ($22.99), which are available Sept. 1. But why wait until then? Pour ¼ ounce of Chambord into a Champagne flute, finish with your favorite bubbly and top with a raspberry for a Chambord Royale.
You’ll find more cocktail recipes at chambordchannel.com. And here’s to you
– Georgette Gouveia