Cappelletti Aperitivo is a Aperitifs crafted in Italy .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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View RecipesMy new go to spritz!
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.
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.
This is a great alternative to Campari. It is less bitter than Campari, but still has a great flavor when used in a Megroni.
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Please drink responsibly. CA Residents: Proposition 65 Warning.
