Chinotto (drink) facts for kids

The fruit of the chinotto tree is the main flavoring agent for several brands of soda.

Chinotto is a fizzy drink, also known as a carbonated soft drink. It gets its special flavor from the fruit of the Citrus myrtifolia tree, also called the myrtle-leaved orange tree. This drink is dark in color, looking a lot like cola. However, it's not as sweet as cola. Instead, it has a unique bittersweet taste.

People have known about a dark, bitter orange juice for a very long time. It was enjoyed as a refreshing drink even in ancient times. The modern Chinotto soda we know today started being made in factories in the 1950s.

A bottle of Italian chinotto

An organic version of the drink.

Chinotto is mostly made and enjoyed in Italy and Malta. Many different companies in Italy produce it. For example, the famous mineral water company S.Pellegrino sells it under the names "Chinò" and "Chinotto." Even Coca-Cola makes its own version called "Fanta Chinotto" in Italy and "Fanta Amara" in Malta. In Italy, a substance called quinine is sometimes added to Chinotto drinks. This ingredient helps give the drink its distinct bitter flavor.

Chinotto Around the World

Chinotto-flavored drinks are popular in several countries, often with their own unique twists.

Chinotto in Canada

In Canada, there's a brand called Brio (soft drink) that makes a Chinotto-style drink. This Canadian version is usually sweeter than the ones you find in Italy.

Chinotto in Australia

In Australia, the Bisleri brand used to make its own Chinotto. Now, this brand is owned and operated by Coca-Cola Amatil.

Chinotto in Venezuela

It's interesting to note that in Venezuela, the popular lemon-lime soda Sprite is sold under the name "Chinotto." This version is also owned by The Coca-Cola Company.

Chinotto-like Drinks in Malta

Kinnie is a very popular soft drink made in Malta. It has a taste similar to Chinotto, with its own unique blend of bitter and sweet flavors.