Luxardo Bitter Rosso

Luxardo Bitter Rosso — sold by Luxardo simply as Luxardo Bitter — is a 25% ABV (50 proof), 750mL bright red bitter aperitivo from Girolamo Luxardo S.p.A. of Torreglia, Italy, obtained from separate infusions of bitter herbs, aromatic plants and citrus fruits blended to an original Luxardo family recipe, with gentian and wormwood as its bittering signatures. Wine Enthusiast rated it 92 points. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

This is the red anchor of the Luxardo aperitivo range — the baseline that Bitter Bianco later reworked by distillation. The family behind it has been at work since Girolamo Luxardo founded the house in Zara in 1821; after the wartime destruction of that distillery, the family rebuilt at Torreglia in 1947 and never left. Bitter Rosso is deliberately bracing: gentian and wormwood up front, citrus and herbs behind, in a clear, bright crimson built for the aperitivo hour.

Tasting profile: clear, bright crimson red; quinine and bay leaf, lemon thyme and herbal woodiness with hints of spice on the nose; herbaceous quinine bitterness balanced with syrupy sweetness and blood orange zest on the palate — rhubarb, candied walnut, bitter orange and seeds at midpalate; a gently bitter, persistent, zesty aftertaste. Browse the Luxardo brand collection, more liqueurs and bitters, and the full spirits collection at Del Mesa Liquor.

Serving note: an aperitivo neat or over ice, in an Americano or Negroni, Venetian-style with sparkling water — or hard shaken and double strained into a coupette, the perfect Shakerato.

What does Bitter Rosso taste like? Bracing gentian and wormwood bitterness with quinine, blood orange zest, rhubarb and candied walnut.

How do you drink it? Neat or on the rocks before dinner to stimulate the appetite, or in a Negroni or Americano.

How is it different from Bitter Bianco? Rosso is the original red infusion blend at 25% ABV; Bianco distills the same infusions clear at 30%.

What is the ABV? 25% ABV (50 proof), 750mL.