AUGUST'S SPIRIT OF THE MONTH- Alma De Trabanco Quinquina En Rama

August’s Spirit of the Month is an Aperitif that can be enjoyed during the rest of this warm summer and roll into the fall, which will probably be warm too. Alma De Trabanco Quinquina En Rama comes from one of the most renowned natural cider houses in Spain, Trabanco, which is in Asturias, Spain. All you need is an ice cube and maybe some sparkling water/wine to make this a tasty beverage. Honey dipped apples give the spirit a decadence one might not expect, but also a freshness from the fruit that is needed for balance. Soft nuttiness, baking spices and delicate dried herbs create a savory profile that works in harmony with the richer flavors to make a well-rounded libation.

The Quinquina En Rama was originally a concept created by the founder (est. 1925) of Alma de Trabanco, Emilio Trabanco. He would add cider to his Vermouth, cutting down on the sweetness of the Vermouth while also adding freshness from the acidity of the apple cider. Such an easy concoction, that has been practiced in Asturias, Spain for about 100 years, how is it that no one else has combined these two since then? The refreshing and savory Aperitif is delicious on its own, but its use in cocktails is wide as well. Use it as a substitute for Vermouth in cocktails like a white Negroni or an Americano. Or you can use it as a Calvados substitute in cocktails like an Apple Blossom or an Apple Cart. Just the Quinquina En Rama and ginger beer sounds like a combination that can be enjoyed during the summer all through winter. Or just keep it simple and enjoy it on its own.