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SB meets… Giuseppe Gallo, Italicus
Established in 2016, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is a contemporary Italian aperitivo from Torino crafted with bergamot orange.
As Italicus celebrates its eighth anniversary this year, we spoke to the brand’s founder to discover what makes the aperitivo a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts.
What inspired you to create Italicus eight years ago?
It was my childhood dream to bring back this category, as I experienced my family traditionally making all kinds of rosolio, which was served as a ‘cordiale’ or welcome drink to all guests visiting my home. Rosolio is a category of liqueurs from Italy that was almost forgotten about. It was known to be the first of its kind to be served at the Royal courts as an aperitivo in the 1800s. With Italicus, I am proud to have resurrected the rosolio category in the international scene, bringing back a historical recipe of ‘rosolio di Torino’ married to all the aromatic, floral and citrus notes of the bergamot fruit essential oils, sourced from a Unesco-protected region in Southern Italy.
What are the brand’s core values?
We focus on authenticity, strongly connecting to our Italian roots and aperitivo culture. We are proud to bring innovation with a traditional recipe that has been modernised for today’s palate and consumer experience. Everything we do reflects these authentic, modern values and seeks to set new trends in the industry.
What makes Italicus different from other aperitivos on the market?
Since its launch in 2016, Italicus has innovated the industry twice: with bergamot citrus orange as a unique flavour profile, and by resurrecting an entire category with rosolio – something no spirit brand has done before, as far as I know. It’s incredibly versatile, and can be used in various recipes. Italicus boasts fresh and aromatic citrus flavours with bergamot, balanced by floral lavender and a bitter finish with the gentian root. For those who prefer less bitter, aromatic, and citrusy aperitivos, Italicus is the perfect choice. Made with 100% natural selected ingredients, vegan certified, and a unique flavour profile, Italicus is the perfect pair for Spritz cocktails at home or more creative cocktails for bartenders with twists on classics like the Margarita.
How is the brand celebrating its eighth anniversary?
We are excited to announce the launch of National Rosolio Day on 1 September, a celebration of the Art of Italicus, in partnership with LP O’Brien, mixologist and the winner of the 2023 Drink Masters TV series. The campaign aims to promote Italian aperitivo culture worldwide. We will also release a mini-series of educational videos featuring O’Brien and host events throughout September.
Eight countries will launch week-long activations at bars and restaurants, offering consumers the chance to enjoy Italicus cocktails from an exclusive menu. In addition to the participating venues, Italicus cocktails are available in some of the best bars globally, including Connaught Bar in London, Sips in Barcelona, Freni e Frizini in Rome, Double Chicken Please in New York, Bar Leone in Hong Kong, Maybe Sammy in Sydney, Cafe La Trova in Miami, and BKK Social Club in Bangkok.
With the anniversary campaigns, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with various emerging artists throughout the years, from tattoo to music artists, art galleries, digital artists and designers, and mixologists, to promote the brand’s history and the quintessential made-in-Italy.
What is next for the brand?
We will focus on geographical expansion in North America, Asia, and global travel retail. We will also continue building the brand in existing markets such as Italy, the US, France, Germany, and the UK and keep engaging consumers who are looking for discoveries and are willing to explore new flavours and drinks. Stay tuned, as Italicus hasn’t stopped innovating yet.
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