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Cappelletti Aperitivo

750ml & 34 Proof

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
3 Reviews

Cappelletti Aperitivo is a Liqueur hailing from Italy.

What is Cappelletti Aperitivo?

Cappelletti Aperitivo, a vibrant red Italian liqueur, offers a unique blend of bitter and sweet flavors that make it perfect for both classic and modern cocktails. Interestingly, despite its bold color, Cappelletti gets its hue naturally from carmine, a red dye derived from cochineal insects, making it a fascinating conversation starter for those who appreciate natural ingredients in their spirits.

Why do we love Cappelletti Aperitivo?

Cocktail enthusiasts should embrace Cappelletti Aperitivo for its unique position as one of the few still-produced wine-based bitter aperitifs, offering a distinctly Italian alpine character. Unlike rum, which is a spirit distilled from sugarcane byproducts, Cappelletti is a aromatized wine infused with herbs and spices, including a hefty dose of gentian root, resulting in a complex, bittersweet profile that's lower in alcohol and perfect for spritz-style drinks.

How do you drink Cappelletti Aperitivo?

Cappelletti Aperitivo shines in refreshing spritz-style cocktails or as a complex addition to spirit-forward drinks, though it can also be savored on the rocks with a twist of orange. This vibrant red aperitivo is particularly well-suited for warm summer evenings, pairing beautifully with light appetizers like olives, cheese, and cured meats, or adding a delightful bitter contrast to seafood dishes.

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Nose: Bright citrus notes of orange peel and grapefruit zest. Herbal aromas reminiscent of gentian root and rhubarb. Subtle hints of cinnamon and clove add warmth.

Palate: Initial sweetness balanced by a pleasant bitterness. Flavors of fresh oranges and red berries mingle with herbal notes of wormwood and gentian. A touch of vanilla softens the edges. Medium-bodied with a silky texture.

Finish: Long and bittersweet. The citrus and herbal notes linger, with a gentle warmth from the alcohol. A slight dryness encourages another sip. Leaves a refreshing, appetite-stimulating sensation typical of quality aperitivos.

Cappelletti Aperitivo is crafted using a base of white wine infused with a proprietary blend of herbs and botanicals, including bitter orange, cinchona bark, and rhubarb root. What's particularly intriguing about its production is that the Cappelletti family has been making this aperitivo since 1909 using the same recipe and traditional methods, maintaining its authentic flavor profile for over a century.

  • Cappelletti Aperitivo predates its more famous cousin, Campari, by nearly 50 years. This ruby-red Italian liqueur has been produced by the Cappelletti family in Trentino since 1909, making it one of the oldest aperitivo brands still in production today.
  • Unlike many modern bitter liqueurs that use artificial coloring, Cappelletti gets its vibrant red hue naturally from carmine, a dye derived from cochineal insects. This traditional method of coloring has been used for centuries and contributes to the aperitivo's unique flavor profile.
  • Cappelletti is nicknamed "Specialino" by locals in Trentino, which translates to "little special one." This endearing moniker reflects its status as a beloved regional specialty and its role in daily aperitivo culture in northern Italy.
  • Main Ingredient: Herbs
    Country of Origin: Italy

    5.0
    Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
    Based on 3 reviews
    Total 5 star reviews: 3 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
    Best ForRated -1.3 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
    100%would recommend this product
    3 reviews
    • Suzanne M.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      Age Range 55 - 64
      I'm More Into: Cocktails
      My Spirit of Choice (if forced to choose!) Aperitifs, Gin, Whiskey, Tequila, Rum
      I Bought This For Myself
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      You need this in your bar!

      Don't let anyone convince you that you can substitute Aperol or Campari for this ingredient. It's not as sweet as Aperol and not as bitter as Campari, but to me, the main difference is Cappelletti is wine-based and not spirit-based, and that's what makes it such a great choice for Amaro cocktails. It's smooth, and the herbal notes really shine when mixed with Amaro Averna or Nonino. Buy a bottle and try this drink: 2 oz Amaro Averna, 1.5 oz Cappelletti Aperitivo, 1/2 medium lime, juiced, 2 or 3 dashes orange bitters - shake over ice and serve in a chilled coupe glass with orange peel twist as a garnish. I call it the Bacaro after a similar drink I had at the Bacaro Restaurant in Puerto Rico.

      Best ForRated 0.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
    • Jim B.
      I recommend this product
      Age Range 65+
      I'm More Into: Cocktails
      My Spirit of Choice (if forced to choose!) Whiskey, Rum, Mezcal, Gin, Amari
      I Bought This For Myself
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Better than Aperol in a Spritz

      I first tasted Cappelletti at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, CA. They used it in place of Aperol in a Spritz, and It was a revelation. The cough-syrup sweetness of Aperol was replaced by the floral delight of Cappelletti. Since then, I've used Cappelletti in place of Campari in Negronis with equal success. Campari's bitterness is replaced by the smoothness of Cappelletti. The problem was Cappelletti was hard to find. I bought three bottles from Curiada, and solved my problem.

      Best ForRated -2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
    • Aaron L.
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      I'm More Into: Cocktails AND Sipping
      My Spirit of Choice (if forced to choose!) Whiskey, Scotch, Mezcal, Tequila, Rum
      I Bought This For Myself
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Great for Negronies

      This is a great alternative to Campari. It is less bitter than Campari, but still has a great flavor when used in a Megroni.

      Best ForRated -2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
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    Please drink responsibly. CA Residents: Proposition 65 Warning.

    Last Updated: 2024-09-07

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