Italicus Spritz co*cktail Recipe (2024)

Craving something fresh and bubbly? Say hello to theItalicus Spritz! This easy, breezy co*cktail blends aromatic Italicus, famous for its bergamot andfloral notes, with zesty lemon andbubbly proseccofor a sip that’s as refreshing as it is simple. It’s like a little Italian getaway in your glass!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What is Italicus?

In 2016,Giuseppe Gallointroduced Italicus, specifically known asItalicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. It comes in abeautiful bottleand combines bergamot with a blend of other botanicals like chamomile, lavender, gentian,yellow roses, andMelissa balmto create a complex, floral, and lightly citrusy flavor profile. It’s typically enjoyed as an aperitif and has gained popularity for its versatility in co*cktails.

Its key ingredient,Calabrian bergamot, is a fragrantcitrus fruitknown for its essential role inEarl Grey tea. Calabria is renowned for its fragrantbergamot orangesand spicy chili peppers. It is situated at the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula. It just so happens to be one of the regions where my grandmother’s family trace their roots and receive the surname, Calabrese —a small but significant part of my family’s story.

Italicus is considered arosolio, which is an old category of Italian liqueurs that were once popular among the Italian aristocracy. It was adrink of kingsif you will. The name “rosolio” is derived from the Latin “ros solis,” meaning “sun dew” or “morning dew”. Rosolio faded in popularity with the rise of vermouth and amaro but has seen a resurgence with products like Italicus.

Italicus makes for the perfect Italian spritz. Spritzes are typically served in Italy as an aperitivo or before-dinner drink, meant to stimulate the appetite. One of the most notable spritzes is theAperol Spritz. Aclassic spritzis a wine-based co*cktail, typically made using a 3-2-1 ratio. This means 3 parts prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine), 2 parts liqueur, and 1 partsoda water.

Ingredient Notes

Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto: This key ingredient is this fragrantbergamot liqueurthat gives the co*cktail its unique and distinctive flavor. I haven’t seen it widely available in many stores yet, but I was able to find a bottle of Italicus at my local Total Wine.

Lemon juice: In this co*cktail, freshly squeezed juice is a must for the best taste.

Prosecco: Opt for a dry prosecco to introduce a light effervescence and a hint of sweetness, complementing the co*cktail’s flavors without overpowering them.

Soda water: Just a dash ofsoda wateris all you need. You can use seltzer,club soda, sparkling mineral water – whatever you prefer.

Green olives and/or lemon slice: Choose either for garnishing – green olives for a savory touch and/or a lemon slice to enhance thecitrus notes. You could also useorange slicesif you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:Add the Italicus and lemon juice to alarge wine glassfilled withice cubes. (I used one of my favorite spritz glasses from Viski.)

Step 2:Top with prosecco andsoda water.

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Step 3:Garnish with a lemon slice and/or a co*cktailskewer of green olives.

Expert Tips and Variations

If you like your co*cktail sweeter, add a bit of simple syrup – my Earl Grey simple syrup would go wonderfully given the syrup’s bergamot flavor.

​For a more tart or sour co*cktail, increase the amount of lemon juice.

Try a different sparkling wine if you’re feeling adventurous. Simply swap out the prosecco for champagne or sparkling rosé. It can add a slight twist to the flavors.

For more citrus flavor, try adding a splash of high-quality triple sec like Cointreau. Alternatively, a bit of grapefruit juice would blend very well in anItalicus Spritz.

For more complex aroma, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme these would beautifully complement thefloral notesof Italicus.

For a stronger drink, add a bit of vodka or gin to the mix. Teasmith gin, known for its Ceylon tea base, pairs wonderfully with Italicus, given its flavor notes that are similar toEarl Grey tea. If you love the flavor of bergamot, be sure to check out my Earl Grey Gin Martini, where I also use Teasmith gin.

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