The dew of sunshine
Italicus, the all-Italian bergamot rosolio Rosolio, an Italian liqueur with a long tradition, is experiencing a renaissance thanks to Giuseppe Gallo, a leading figure in the Italian bar industry in the UK. Gallo has rediscovered rosolio and created an updated version suitable for modern times. After success in the major capitals of mixed drinks, its Italicus – bergamot rosolio – makes its entry into Italy.
Italicus was created from the base of Turin rosolio and features a delicate combination of Roman chamomile, lavender, gentian, yellow roses and lemon balm from northern Italy. These ingredients are macerated together for several days. Next, the dried peels of Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian cedar are infused in cold water to release their essential oils before being mixed with a neutral spirit of Italian wheat.
The result is a modern liqueur that recalls the flavors of the past. It can be enjoyed on its own, to appreciate the naturalness of the ingredients and the fresh aroma with hints of citrus and spices, but it can also be used as a base for creating new cocktails.
For an alternative to the classic Italian aperitivo, Italicus offers the possibility of preparing three versions of spritz with the scent of Calabrian IGP bergamot. Italicus Spritz consists of two parts prosecco and one part Italicus, with three pickled olives to enrich the aroma in the glass. Italicus Cup, for a light, thirst-quenching drink, is made with grapefruit soda instead of prosecco. Italicus & Tonic brings back the tradition of diluting wine with seltzer during an aperitif.
Italicus is produced in a family-owned distillery founded in 1906 in Moncalieri. The recipe was inspired by Gallo’s mother, and the ingredients include typical Italian products such as Sicilian citrons and the wonderful IGP bergamot from Calabria. Italicus celebrates the ritual of the aperitivo, an Italian tradition that dates back before vermouth and bitters.
The goal of Giuseppe Gallo, who has already won 50 awards with Italicus, is to reinvigorate the Italian rosoli and liqueurs category. Italicus is a 100% Italian product, including the bottle design. It is available in 34 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Hong Kong. The bottle, made of aquamarine-colored tempered glass with gold inserts on the label, was designed by Stranger & Stranger and is inspired by the Romanesque and Renaissance eras. The cap is handcrafted and decorated with a representation of the Roman God Bacchus inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.