What is Italicus?

Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is a citrus liqueur that has been making waves in the spirits industry since its release in 2016.

Created by Italian bartender Giuseppe Gallo, Italicus is a modern take on traditional rosolio, an Italian liqueur made by infusing flowers and spices in alcohol. The liqueur is made using bergamot from Calabria and citrons from Sicily, along with Italian flower varieties, resulting in a light, sweet, and floral flavor profile.

Inspired by Gallo’s childhood in the Amalfi coast, Italicus is a nod to Italy’s rich history of aperitivos. The liqueur has gained popularity among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike, with its unique flavor profile and striking turquoise bottle.

Italicus has won several awards, including the Best New Spirit at Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in 2017 and a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2018. Its versatility and complexity make it a great addition to cocktails or enjoyed on its own.

History of Italicus

Italicus is a premium Italian liqueur that was developed by bartender Giuseppe Gallo in 2015.

The liqueur is made with a blend of bergamot, cedro, chamomile, and lavender, which are sourced from various regions in Italy. The name Italicus is derived from the Latin word “Italicus,” which means “Italian.”

Gallo developed Italicus after learning about rosolios, a traditional Italian liqueur that dates back to the 19th century. He used his family’s generations-old recipe as the basis for the liqueur, but added his own modern twist to create a unique and refreshing drink.

Italicus is a rosolio di bergamotto, which is a type of Italian liqueur that is made with bergamot oranges. Bergamot oranges are a citrus fruit that is grown in Calabria, a region in southern Italy. The oranges are sourced from a Protected area of Origin (IGP) in Calabria to ensure the highest quality.

Italicus is often used as a mixer in cocktails, including the Italicus Spritz, which is a variation on the Aperol Spritz. The liqueur has gained popularity in recent years, and has won several awards for its unique flavor and high quality.

Taste Profile

Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is a light and refreshing citrus liqueur with a unique taste profile.

The drink has a delicate balance of bitter and sweetness, with a floral and herbal aroma that is both inviting and complex.

Flavor

The flavor of Italicus is dominated by the taste of bergamot, a citrus fruit that is known for its aromatic and slightly bitter notes.

The liqueur is sweet, but not overly so, with a gentle bitterness that adds depth and complexity to the drink. The sweetness is derived from a blend of sugar and natural flavors, which complement the bitterness of the bergamot.

The drink also has a subtle herbal character, which comes from the use of several botanicals in the recipe. These botanicals include chamomile, lavender, and gentian, which add a layer of complexity to the drink and help to balance the sweetness and bitterness.

Aroma

The aroma of Italicus is floral and herbaceous, with a distinct bergamot note that dominates the scent. The floral notes are derived from the use of rose petals, which are a traditional ingredient in Italian Rosolio liqueurs. The herbal notes come from the use of chamomile and lavender, which add a subtle earthiness to the aroma.

Cocktail Recipes

Italicus is a versatile Italian liqueur that can be used to create a variety of delicious cocktails.

Here are three cocktail recipes that showcase the unique flavor of Italicus:

Italicus Spritz

The Italicus Spritz is a refreshing aperitivo cocktail that is perfect for summer. To make an Italicus Spritz, combine 1 1/2 oz Italicus with 2 oz prosecco and 1 oz soda water in a wine glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or orange.

Negroni Bianco

The Negroni Bianco is a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail that uses Italicus instead of Campari. To make a Negroni Bianco, combine 1 oz Italicus, 1 oz dry gin, and 1 oz white vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lemon.

Italicus Margarita

The Italicus Margarita is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. To make an Italicus Margarita, combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz Italicus, and 1/2 oz agave nectar in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Italicus can also be used in a variety of other aperitivo cocktails, such as the Italicus Spritz with Rhubarb Bitters or the Italicus Honey Sour. Its unique flavor profile, which includes bergamot oranges, lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm, makes it a versatile cocktail ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways.