Limoncello-inspired Allora Spritz to launch in UK

Dom Dalton, a former director for CBD drinks brand Trip, has created a limoncello-inspired Spritz.

Allora is an aperitivo made using lemons from Procida, a small island in the gulf of Naples that neighbours Capri and Ischia.

The lemons, known locally as the ‘Isola dei limoni’, are referred to as ‘bread lemons’ for their thicker, white pith.

Dalton and his fellow co-founders – Jen Dalton, Holly Hunt and Jamie Mancini – were inspired to create the drink after enjoying limoncello Spritzes while in Procida.

“Lemons are just so refreshing – they’re the perfect aperitivo,” said Dalton. “But limoncello still very much has an association of being a cheap spirit that you get for free at the end of a meal.”

Although Allora is inspired by limoncello, the product isn’t just a premium version of the liqueur.

“It’s very much its own unique liquid,” he explained. “We use a process that’s similar to the limoncello manufacturing process initially. So, we infuse the peels – using only lemons from Procida – in alcohol with a bit of sugar, as you would with a limoncello.

“We then introduce the leaves from the lemon tree, which are normally a waste product. As well as being nice from a sustainability perspective, they add an amazing scent and flavour and aroma.”

As well as lemon peels and leaves, the apéritif features ingredients including thyme, peppercorns, aromatic bitters and wormwood.

Allora has an ABV of 17%, which was reverse-engineered by the team.

“Limoncello typically has an ABV of 25% to 30%,” explained Dalton. “It’s not perfect for a Spritz – it’s slightly too high in terms of alcohol content.

“It’s also overly sweet, which means maybe you have one, but you don’t want to drink two, three or four.

“We’ve modelled Allora on those insights.”

Dalton believes that Allora stands apart from other established aperitivo brands both with its lemon flavour and the fact it is made with all-natural ingredients. It is also designed to be served without Prosecco.

“If you take Aperol and Campari, both of their serves are three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol or Campari and one part soda. They’re selling more Prosecco per Aperol Spritz than Aperol.

“It adds a lot of complexity and unnecessary cost for operators. Prosecco isn’t cheap, and there’s a wastage element as well, because it goes flat relatively quickly if you’re not using a whole bottle.

“One of the kind of key benefits of our serve – which is one part Allora and one part soda, with ice – is the simplicity for pubs, bars and restaurants. It also helps consumers who want to drink it at home.”

Allora’s branding takes influence from the 1950s and 1960s golden era of Italian culture and style, drawing on its roots in Procida – Italy’s 2022 Capital of Culture – which is the location for films including The Talented Mr Ripley and Il Postino.

Jamie Mancini, creative director, added: “Allora reflects a lifestyle – a bridge to a world that takes our heritage and cultural adoration for Italy and sees it through a contemporary lens.

“The colour palette references the island’s painted homes and takes its design from cinematic mid-century cues.

“Brought together in an effortless, sun-faded aesthetic that celebrates the golden moments to sit back and enjoy a Spritz.”

Allora is currently launching in the on-trade with a focus on e-commerce in 2024.

Last week, we revealed the results of The Liqueur Masters 2023.