Combining the classic British afternoon tea and the Italian ‘aperitivo hour’, Cocchi award winning aromatised wines and vermouth from the Piedmont region, has united the two this summer with the ‘Aperi-Tea’, hosted by Piccolino, an alfresco restaurant in the heart of Mayfair’s paved Heddon Street.
The occasion of the Italian aperitivo hour is where dry or bittersweet drinks (like a spritz or Negroni) are sipped early evening, awakening the appetite before a meal and usually accompanied by complimentary snacks or antipasti.
The Aperi-Tea consists of refreshing tea-laced Cocchi spritzes including; fresh jasmine tea with peach and Earl Grey tea with rhubarb, served in ice-filled wine glasses on their outside terrace (weather depending) this summer. A selection of ‘terra e montagna’ antipasti is served alongside the spritz featuring fennel salami, Parma ham, Bresaola, Sardinian pecorino, truffle honey, arancini, Gorgonzola with fruits and pickles. Additional dishes of fried calamari, tuna carpacci and, bruschetta can be ordered, finishing with the classic Affogato (Amaretto, espresso and vanilla ice cream), Tiramisu or cioccolatini (Frangelico-laced chocolate truffles) for those after a sweet finish.
The Aperi-Tea is available at Piccolino, Heddon Street from Sunday to Thursday, 3 – 6pm. June to September. For groups over four, advance booking is essential.
Jasmine Tea and Peach Spritz
60ML Cocchi Americano
50ML strongly brewed jasmine tea
15ML peach puree
Fevertree Mediterranean tonic to top
Slice of fresh peach to garnish
Brew the tea for double the box’s stated brew time also adding three minutes and leave to cool. When the tea is cold, add all ingredients (minus the tonic) to a wine glass and stir together. Add ice up to the rim of the glass, top with tonic and garnish with a slice of fresh peach.
Earl Grey Tea and Rhubarb Spritz 
60ML Cocchi Rosa
50ML chilled, strongly brewed early grey tea
35ML rhubarb puree
5ML sugar syrup
Fevertree elderflower tonic to top
Mint sprig and strawberries to garnish
Brew the early grey tea for double the box’s stated brewing time also adding three minutes. Leave to cool. When the tea is cold, add all ingredients (without the tonic) to a wine glass and stir together. Add ice up to the rim of the glass and top with the tonic. Add garnish.
