Italicus Spritz Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto liqueur
- 3 ounces of Prosecco
- 1 ounce of soda water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Italicus Spritz Step by Step Mixing Guide
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 2 ounces of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto liqueur into the glass.
- Add 3 ounces of Prosecco to the glass.
- Pour 1 ounce of soda water into the glass.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Serve and enjoy!
Italicus Spritz History
The refreshing and elegant Italicus Spritz cocktail has become increasingly popular in recent years, tracing its origins back to the vibrant aperitivo culture of Italy.
In Italy, the leisurely pre-dinner social rituals of aperitivo provide the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy light nibbles alongside Spritz cocktails before the evening meal. The Italicus Spritz embodies this tradition beautifully with its palate-pleasing blend of Italian liqueur and sparkling wine.
The namesake ingredient of the cocktail is Italicus Bergamotto, an artisanal Italian liqueur made from the essential oils of bergamot oranges grown along the Calabrian coast. Italicus has a vibrant sun-kissed color and an intriguing bouquet of floral, citrusy and botanical notes.
When combined with crisp, dry Prosecco and a splash of soda water, the melange of flavors in Italicus creates a symphony on the palate. The bittersweet bergamot provides a distinct zesty kick that’s balanced by the gentle effervescence and acidity of the Prosecco. A garnish of citrus peel enhances the aromatics.
The origins of the Italicus Spritz can be traced back to renowned bartender Giuseppe Gallo, who devised the cocktail as a way to highlight the splendor of Italicus liqueur. The ingredients come together in perfect harmony to produce a cocktail that embodies Italian elegance and charm.
From Milan to Sicily, the vivid orange hues and botanical bouquet of the Italicus Spritz can be spotted at bars and trattorias wherever aperitivo is relished. As the drink has grown in popularity globally, discerning cocktail aficionados have also come to appreciate the grace notes and complexity encased in each sip.
Whether enjoyed as a sunset sipper on a terrazza in Sorrento or shaken up at home for a dinner party starter, the Italicus Spritz is a modern Italian classic. Its balance of sweet citrus and crisp effervescence provides the ultimate expression of Italian aperitivo culture in a glass. Salute!
Appetizers to enjoy with a Italicus Spritz
The Italicus Spritz is typically prepared with Prosecco and soda water, and its citrusy and slightly floral notes make it a versatile drink to pair with various appetizers.
Here’s a list of appetizers that would complement the flavors of an Italicus Spritz Cocktail:
- Bruschetta: Traditional Italian bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil on toasted bread.
- Olives & Marinated Artichokes: A simple mix of olives and marinated artichoke hearts would provide a salty contrast to the cocktail’s sweetness.
- Lemon & Herb Grilled Shrimp: The zesty and slightly charred flavors from the shrimp would pair well with the citrusy notes of the cocktail.
- Prosciutto e Melone: Thin slices of prosciutto wrapped around fresh melon slices. The combination of sweet and salty is a classic pairing with spritz cocktails.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction.
- Arancini: Sicilian rice balls stuffed with cheese or meat, and then deep-fried.
- Fritto Misto: A mixed fry of seafood like calamari, shrimp, and small fish. The crispy texture and salty flavors would contrast nicely with the spritz.
- Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt: The soft, olive oil-rich bread would be a wonderful accompaniment.
- Grilled Polenta with Mushroom Ragout: The earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with creamy polenta can balance the bright flavors of the cocktail.
- Smoked Salmon Crostini: Topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprig of dill or chive.
When pairing appetizers with any cocktail, it’s essential to consider both complementary and contrasting flavors. With the Italicus Spritz Cocktail, you have the flexibility to explore a range of options due to its balanced profile. Enjoy your cocktail and appetizers!
What is the difference between Aperol spritz and Italicus spritz?
Both Aperol Spritz and Italicus Spritz are popular Italian aperitifs, but they differ in terms of their primary ingredients, flavor profiles, and presentation. Here’s a comparison of the two:
Primary Ingredients
Aperol Spritz:
- Aperol: A bright orange aperitif made from a blend of bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, and various botanicals.
- Prosecco: A sparkling Italian wine.
- Soda water: Adds a bit of effervescence.
Italicus Spritz:
- Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto: A liqueur made primarily from bergamot, a type of citrus fruit, combined with other botanicals like chamomile, lavender, and yellow roses.
- Prosecco: Used in the spritz just as with Aperol.
- Soda water: For some added fizz.
Flavor Profile
Aperol Spritz:
- Taste: A balance of bitter and sweet. The bitterness primarily comes from the Aperol, while the sweetness can be attributed to the various botanicals and the Prosecco.
- Appearance: Bright orange.
Italicus Spritz:
- Taste: More on the citrusy and slightly floral side due to the bergamot and botanicals in the Italicus liqueur.
- Appearance: Lighter in color, often pale yellow or clear with a slight cloudiness.
Presentation
Both drinks are usually served in a wine glass, garnished with an orange slice. However, the Italicus Spritz might sometimes be adorned with additional garnishes, like olives or rosemary, to accentuate its botanical notes.
Origin and Popularity:
Aperol Spritz:
- Originated in the Veneto region of Italy.
- Has gained immense popularity worldwide and is often associated with sunny terraces and social gatherings.
Italicus Spritz:
- Italicus is a relatively newer liqueur compared to Aperol.
- It’s gaining popularity among those who enjoy more citrus-forward and less bitter aperitifs.
In summary, while both drinks belong to the spritz family and share some similarities, they offer distinct flavor experiences. The Aperol Spritz is bittersweet with a pronounced orange hue, while the Italicus Spritz is more citrusy and floral with a lighter appearance. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference.
