Negroni Bitter Aperitivo
Negroni Bitter Aperitivo is the original Italian bitter from the family that gave the world's most famous cocktail its name: Negroni Distillerie of Treviso, founded in 1919, the year Count Camillo Negroni's bartender first swapped soda for gin at Florence's Caffè Casoni. This is the 25% ABV (50 proof), 1L expression of that heritage — a bittersweet, lower-ABV bitter built for the aperitivo hour and for mixing a proper Negroni at home. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 25% (50 proof)
- Size: 1L
- Style: Italian bitter aperitivo
- Origin: Treviso, Italy — Negroni Distillerie, founded 1919
- Use: Negroni, Americano, and spritz cocktails; serve chilled or on ice
The Bitter Behind the Cocktail
The Negroni family's distillery story runs parallel to the cocktail's own legend: founded in Treviso in 1919, the company created "Antico Negroni 1919," a ready-to-drink homage to the Count's famous order. Over a century later, the house still produces its core bitter range in the Italian tradition — lower in alcohol than an amaro, designed to be drunk before dinner. At 25% ABV, the Bitter Aperitivo sits in the classic bitter-apertivo band: assertively bitter, lightly sweet, and built to open the palate rather than close the meal.
Tasting Notes
Expect the classic bitter-aperitivo profile: vibrant bitter orange and gentian-root bitterness up front, warming baking spice and dried herbs through the middle, and a clean, mouthwatering bitter finish with just enough sweetness to keep it sippable. At 50 proof it mixes with authority — it won't disappear behind gin and vermouth the way lighter aperitivi can.
How to Enjoy
Build the namesake serve: equal parts Negroni Bitter, gin, and sweet vermouth over a big cube, stirred and garnished with orange peel. It also makes a superb Americano (bitter + sweet vermouth + soda) and a bitter-leaning spritz. Browse our full aperitivo shelf for mixing partners, and explore more from the house at Negroni.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Negroni Bitter the same as Campari?
No — it is Negroni Distillerie's own bitter recipe from Treviso, Italy. It fills the same role in a Negroni cocktail (the bitter third) with its own house character.
What is the difference between a bitter aperitivo and an amaro?
Bitter aperitivi are generally lower in ABV and sugar, drunk before dinner to stimulate appetite; amari are higher-proof and traditionally served after dinner as digestivi.
What size is the bottle?
1 liter — the full bar-size format, verified against the US distributor's TTB listing.
How do you make a Negroni with it?
Equal parts Negroni Bitter, gin, and sweet red vermouth, stirred over ice and garnished with orange peel.
Stock your home bar with the original in our bitters and liqueurs range. Order Negroni Bitter Aperitivo online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — the bitter with the name on the cocktail.