Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto Liquer

This luxury Italian aperitivo liqueur originates from Italy, produced in the historic Moncalieri distillery in Turin. Created by renowned spirits authority Giuseppe Gallo in 2016, Italicus revives the forgotten Italian tradition of Rosolio—an ancient aperitivo category traditionally known as the "liqueur of kings." Built upon a recipe dating back to the 1850s, the heart of the spirit features IGP-certified Calabrian bergamot oranges (Citrus bergamia) and Sicilian cedro lemons. These citrus peels are cold-pressed via sfumatura (a traditional extraction process) before being infused with a neutral grain spirit alongside chamomile, lavender, yellow rose, melissa balm, and gentian root. Bottled at an approachable strength of 40 proof (20.0% ABV) in an aquamarine glass bottle inspired by Roman architecture and the waters of the Amalfi Coast, it offers a bright, aromatic, and balanced citrus profile.

Spirit Description This liqueur presents a clear, pale straw to luminous light-gold color in the glass. On the nose, it is strikingly aromatic, vibrant, and fragrant, opening with an intense burst of fresh bergamot orange, citrus oils, and Earl Grey tea notes, supported by delicate floral undertones of lavender, dried chamomile, and yellow rose petals. On the palate, it feels silky, round, and delicately syrupy without feeling overly cloying, delivering a bright, bitter-sweet balance of candied lemon peel, fragrant zesty bergamot, and floral honey. The mid-palate transitions into a subtle, earthy herbal complexity driven by gentian and melissa balm. The finish is crisp, medium-length, and refreshing, leaving a trailing impression of citrus zest, dried flowers, subtle salinity, and a clean herbal dryness.

Accolades Since its debut, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto has achieved widespread acclaim across the global bar community, quickly becoming an indispensable modern staple on cocktail menus worldwide. Earning prestigious industry honors—including Best New European Spirit at Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, Best New Spirit at the International Bartender Awards, and top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition—critics and master mixologists praise the release for reviving the Rosolio category with an authentic, versatile, and natural citrus profile.