Bonal Gentiane Quina is an aperitif that has things in common with both [ingredient=amaro amari] and [ingredient=sweet-vermouth sweet vermouth]. It is an infusion of herbs like gentian and chinchona bark (also called quina, the source of quinine) in a fortified wine base that was first made in 1865.

Bonal is 32 proof, reddish brown in color, and moderately sweet. It smells and tastes strongly of red fruits like plums and cherries, but also herbs and licorice. The palate has a medium bodied texture, and has both the herbal bitterness of gentian and the chalky bitterness of chinchona intermixed with honey, plums and herbal flavors. 

Bonal is imported into the United States by Haus Alpenz.

Some popular cocktails containing Bonal Gentiane Quina

  • Tristam Shandy — Porter beer, Scotch, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Cassis
  • The Peace Cocktail — Rhum Agricole, Amaro, Bonal Gentiane Quina
  • The Notorious F.L.I.P. — Jamaican rum, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Amaro Nardini, Whole egg, Demerara syrup, Nutmeg
  • Silver Anniversary — Gin, Gran Classico, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Cherry Liqueur, Brandied cherry
  • Sharpie Mustache — Amaro Meletti, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Gin, Rye, Bitters, Orange peel
  • Forty Virtues — Armagnac, Bianco Vermouth, Herbal liqueur, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Orange bitters
  • Gentian Dream — Aperol, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Cynar, Calisaya, Salers Gentiane, Celery bitters, Bitters
  • Rye Dandy Shim II — Bonal Gentiane Quina, Rye, Triple sec, Bitters, Lemon juice, Cane syrup, Orange peel, Lemon peel
  • Bitter Raisin — Rye, Cognac, Cynar, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Gran Classico, Raisins, Orange peel
  • Cantinflas Mustache — Reposado Tequila, Mezcal, Amaro Meletti, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Bitters, Orange peel
Bonal Gentiane Quina
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