The China Amaro (or Cinchona officinalis, or Quinine!)

Have you ever heard of the Tonic water, the soda pop with china bark flavour, also known as quinine? It contains extracts from that strange quinine, an aromatic plant that has medicinal properties. These properties are unexpected, because the china bark is most often used in food preparation.

The china bark is full of surprises, it is digestive and it has a purifying propriety. It can be used in the preparation of tonic beverages that promote intestinal passage and it is also rich in tannin, which is a powerful antioxidant.

The valuable part is the bark of the plant, which contains quinine, and also strengthens the immune system thanks to its mild antibiotic powers.

Ingredients for the China Amaro

• 200 grams of china bark;
• 50 grams cocoa bark;
• 120 grams of grated orange zest;
• 2 cloves;
• 1.5 liters of alcohol;
• 1 liter of dry white wine;
• 350 grams of sugar.

Preparation

Take a big saucepan and pour into it the wine and sugar. Put the mixture on fire (and light it up, of course).

In the meanwhile, chop the barks, the orange zest and the cloves.

As soon as the wine bubbles, add the drugs previously minced and simmer for 15 minutes on low heat. Then remove it from heat and let it cool down.

When the liquid cools put it in an airtight jar, add the alcohol and let it stand for 7 days. Then filter it and bottle the result. But wait! Your China Amaro is not ready yet! Hold on 40 days before opening it.