Carandini, a producer of traditional Italian vinegars, has announced a partnership with well-known mixologist Julie Reiner, who has created unique cocktail recipes that highlight Carandini’s hero products: Emilio Silver Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Bianca Sweet White Vinegar.
“The collaboration aims to show the potential of vinegar in the beverage industry,” says Chiara Arseni, marketing manager of the Modena-based company. “Although shrubs are the most common way vinegar is used in cocktails, its potential has not been fully explored. Carandini’s high-quality vinegars lend depth, brightness and subtle sweetness to cocktails without overpowering other ingredients.”
Julie Reiner, known for her acclaimed Brooklyn cocktail bars, Clover Club and Leyenda, has created a balance between classic and modern flavor combinations through her thoughtful and playful recipes, which can be enjoyed by both home bartenders and experts alike. She uses both alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits, making vinegar an accessible ingredient for zero-proof cocktails. “We all have it in our pantry,” explained Reiner, “but we often don’t know how to use it. Tonight I will give you some ideas.”
The Carandini Club replaces gin with Bianca Sweet White Vinegar and non-alcoholic aperol, resulting in a luscious, fruity blend with a bitter-sweetness and acid that complements the tropical notes in the Mezcalita Bianca. This cocktail features mezcal, pineapple, orange juice, and Sweet White Vinegar, topped with club soda over crushed ice in a hurricane glass.
The Emilio Spritz combines Carandini’s Emilio Balsamic Vinegar of Modena with strawberry-ginger syrup and bitter citrus aperitifs by Lyre’s and Seedlip. This creates a complex cocktail experience that is sweet and spicy without alcohol. Finally, the Acetivo di Modena features apricot liqueur, which enhances the fruity notes of the balsamic. It’s a bold take on the classic Manhattan, with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and sherry.
Reiner says that she and beverage director Leanne Favre wanted to create cocktails that could be easily made by home bartenders. Vinegar is a fantastic addition to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and she is excited to showcase her creations with Carandini. The acidity and depth of flavor achieved with these vinegars were incredible, making them a fantastic addition to any bartender’s repertoire, whether professional or amateur.
“We are trying to expand our audience by focusing on a premium product,” Arseni concludes, “we are the first producer of organic balsamic vinegar. Our product is natural, but trying to consistently get vinegar on the American table is not easy. We believe in it: if you have quality on your side, the results will come sooner or later. It’s just a matter of time.”
