They might share the same scarlet glow, but not all bitter red aperitivi are created equal. “There are over 25 receptors for bitter flavor, and we all have a different perception of bitterness, which is fascinating,” says global Martini ambassador Roberta Mariani.
Whether you’re craving bright, overt citrus notes, a hint of the floral or bracing bitterness, there’s a red bottle for you. Add one of these eight to your shelf.
Italian red bitter liqueursStrucchi Bitter. Category: Liqueurs / alc. … Campari Bitter. Category: Liqueurs / alc. … Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter. Category: Liqueurs / alc. … Galliano L’Aperitivo. Category: Liqueurs / alc. … Luxardo Bitter Rosso. … Nottingham Forest il Bitter di Milano. … Nardini Bitter. … Tuvè Bitter.
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Strucchi Bitter. Category: Liqueurs / alc. …
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Campari Bitter. Category: Liqueurs / alc. …
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Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter. Category: Liqueurs / alc. …
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Galliano L’Aperitivo. Category: Liqueurs / alc. …
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Luxardo Bitter Rosso. …
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Nottingham Forest il Bitter di Milano. …
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Nardini Bitter. …
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Tuvè Bitter.
Whether you’re craving bright, overt citrus notes, a hint of the floral or bracing bitterness, there’s a red bottle for you. Add one of these eight to your shelf.
They might share the same scarlet glow, but not all bitter red aperitivi are created equal. “There are over 25 receptors for bitter flavor, and we all have a different perception of bitterness, which is fascinating,” says global Martini ambassador Roberta Mariani.
The world of Italian liqueurs is vast, but perhaps none are as iconic as the red aperitivos that define many a Negroni, Americano and spritz. A category defined as alcohol macerated with botanicals (typically including bitter orange peel and gentian root), then sweetened with sugar, most of these liqueurs clock in around the 20-28% ABV range, and no two versions taste exactly alike. Here are 10 worth getting to know.
Luxardo Red Bitter Hailing from the makers of the famed maraschino liqueur, Luxardo’s bitter was first created in 1885 and has been in the U.S. since 2010. Made with a neutral grain spirit as the base and infused with botanicals like sweet oranges, bitter oranges, rhubarb, mint, marjoram, thyme, it’s robust with ribbons of syrupy sweetness harmonizing with a pleasingly bitter backbone. Well suited for a refreshing shakerato.
Aperitivo Select Favored in its home of Venice as the aperitivo of choice for spritzes (which are commonly garnished with an olive), Aperitivo Select is 17.5% ABV with a well-rounded bitterness and slightly earthy flavors thanks to the addition of rhubarb root. 29 other botanicals, including juniper, make up the recipe, which dates back to 1920. It’s a full-bodied aperitivo with fresh red strawberry and raspberry notes that make it a good match for an Americano or a classic Prosecco-based spritz.
Galliano L’Aperitivo Best known for their iconic golden herbal liqueur, Galliano debuted L’Aperitivo in the U.S. in 2017. The ruby-red aperitif combines 50 ingredients, including Mediterranean citrus (bitter orange, bergamot and tangerine) and a range of herbs and spices, such as cardamom, juniper, sage and anise. Expect a lightweight and mildly bitter flavor that pings with black pepper spice and finishes with a bright punch of grapefruit—a perfect complement to soda or sparkling wine.
Contratto Bitter & Aperitif Known for their vermouths that date back to the 1890s, Contratto also makes two products suited for aperitivo hour. Called Bitter and Aperitif, both recipes are made with an Italian brandy base, both endure a cold maceration process for the botanical infusion, and both use natural coloring from carrot and red beet extracts for the color. Aperitif is the lighter of the two (13.5% ABV) with a prominent fresh orange/tangerine flavor and soft sweetness that lends itself to the spritz format. Botanicals in the Aperitif include mint, safflower, sage and licorice. The Bitter has a darker magenta color and a bold bitterness thanks to botanicals like nettle, wormwood and cardamom, balanced out by brighter flavors like hibiscus and rhubarb. At 22% ABV, the Bitter is also higher in alcohol and mixes beautifully with gin and sweet vermouth in a Negroni.
Difference between Alcoholic Beverages: Wine/Whiskey/Rum/Gin/Vodka/Tequila/Brandy/Alcohol percentage
FAQ
What liquor is red in color?
Is there a red liqueur?
What is a red bitter liqueur?
What are the different types of red drinks?
There are red drinks for everyone, from sweet martini to bitter Negroni. Want to make a statement? Go bold with a red cocktail! The vibrant bright color makes for an eye-catching red drink that makes any occasion more fun.
What is a good red drink?
Try this bubbly red drink, the Vodka Spritzer! It’s just sweet enough with a subtle berry flavor: tangy, refreshing and sparkling all at once. Cranberry juice makes the brilliant red color and a tart and crisp flavor. Here’s a famous frozen red cocktail: the strawberry daiquiri!
What are the most popular red cocktails?
With a few exceptions, most red cocktails are incredibly fruity. If you’re looking for something that tastes sweet and looks great, this list of 17 of the most popular red cocktails is the one for you. 1. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Most people have heard of and probably even tried a vodka cranberry.
Are red aperitivos Italian liqueurs?
The world of Italian liqueurs is vast, but perhaps none are as iconic as the red aperitivos that define many a Negroni, Americano and spritz.