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Founded in 2016 by Giuseppe Gallo, ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto was created to revive the nearly forgotten Rosolio category. Made using the finest Italian ingredients, ITALICUS’s bottle design embodies the history and heritage of Italy’s distinctive regions, while telling the story of Rosolio’s traditional drinking occasion of aperitivo and its culture.

1st September is now officially recognised as National Rosolio Day, thanks to ITALICUS. To celebrate this annual occasion, ITALICUS has partnered with LP O’Brien – renowned mixologist and winner of the Netflix series Drink Masters – who will present a mini-series campaign to educate consumers about the brand, the aperitivo category, and its culture. To further explore the best ways to enjoy ITALICUS, LP will be promoting ITALICUS through the art of mixology, demonstrating how you can drink ITALICUS and which easy-ingredient aperitivo cocktails can be replicated at home.

In celebration of the 8^th anniversary there are eight countries taking part in the anniversary campaign, which include Italy, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Switzerland. Participating bars in these countries will host week-long activations, where consumers can try delicious ITALICUS cocktails from an exclusive menu. A list of bars can be found on the ITALICUS website: https://rosolioitalicus.com/the-art-of-italicus/rosolio-day.

Along with these bars, ITALICUS can also be tasted and explored in some of the world’s 50 best bars, including Connaught Bar in London, Sips in Barcelona, Freni e Frizioni in Rome, Double Chicken Please in New York, Bar Leone in Hong Kong, Maybe Sammy in Sydney, Café La Trova in Miami, and BKK Social Club in Bangkok.

“The aperitivo is a global trend that started in Italy,” comments Giuseppe Gallo, founder of ITALICUS. “Now having a trendy moment around the world, the aperitivo blends tradition and innovation in its story and is served in many cocktails at the best global bars. For this campaign, we are extremely excited to partner with LP O’Brien – one of the most creative minds in the international mixology scene – to inaugurate Rosolio Day on 1st September.”

"Being part of the anniversary and ITALICUS’s launch of Rosolio Day is a tremendous honour,” explains LP. “I'm incredibly grateful to be associated with a brand that demonstrates such thoughtfulness in every aspect – from crafting the liquid to designing the bottle and creating a captivating story. Giuseppe, with his extensive experience in the beverage industry, has created something truly special with ITALICUS.”

National Rosolio Day is dedicated to celebrating the history of this exquisite liqueur. Dating back to the Renaissance period, Rosolio was originally crafted in convents and monasteries as a medicinal tonic. Rosolio, meaning “dew of the sun,” is traditionally made from a base of alcohol, unrefined sugar, water, and infused with botanicals, herbs, and fruits – with the most common flavours using spices or citrus fruits. Its preparation was a traditional family craft, passed down from generation to generation. This liqueur was often served as a welcome drink (or “Cordiale” in Italian) at home.

Despite a decline in the 19th century, Rosolio has experienced a modern revival, driven by the craft cocktail movement and a renewed appreciation for traditional spirits. Today, Rosolio is enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif, with brands like ITALICUS revitalising the category by combining historic methods with contemporary flavours, such as bergamot citrus – bringing the liqueur to a new generation of enthusiasts.

ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto is sold in 700ml bottles at 20% ABV and is available at select retailers including Waitrose, Ocado, The Whisky Exchange and Amazon from £30.