“This drink started with a request: make something with Italicus. If you haven't worked with it, Italicus is a revived Italian rosolio aperitivo—lively with bergamot, chamomile, and lemon balm—and using it as the cornerstone of a white wine–style spritz felt like a no-brainer. From there, I wanted to lean into the Italian lineage, which is how Cocchi Americano entered the picture. It brings a lovely edge of citrus peel and bitter gentian, but more importantly, at 16.5% ABV, it turned out to be the ideal ingredient in which to steep green sencha tea. Higher-proof spirits pull more bitterness from tea, so the Cocchi keeps the infusion bright and fragrant rather than astringent—the toasted, grassy notes come through the way they should. A small measure of Fords gin holds the structure together. As for the name: John Harney, the founder of the tea company, has a cup of sencha every morning for his health. Seemed like the right way to honor that ritual.” —JN