The Cappelletti Spritz: A Complete History & Classic Recipe

The Cappelletti Spritz is the aperitivo lover’s aperitivo—the deeper-cut, locally adored, quietly sophisticated sibling of the global Aperol Spritz. Built on the Alpine-meets-Venetian heritage of Cappelletti Aperitivo (aka Aperitivo Cappelletti, Cappelletti Red, or simply “the red bottle with the horse”), this spritz is rooted in Northern Italian culture, regional winemaking, and the revival of traditional aperitivi that predate many modern brands.

Rustic, herbal, wine-based, and brilliantly red, the Cappelletti Spritz is less sweet than Aperol, less aggressive than Campari, and filled with the sort of nuance only a century-old family liqueur can deliver.

I. Origins

The Spritz: A Northern Italian Creation

The spritz evolved in the 19th century when Veneto—home to Venice, Padua, and the Dolomites—was under Austro-Hungarian influence. Soldiers diluted the region’s strong wines with a “spritz” of water, creating a proto-cocktail that Venetians quickly adopted into local drinking rituals.

Where Cappelletti Enters the Story

To understand the Cappelletti Spritz, we must explore the aperitivo itself.

Aperitivo Cappelletti (est. 1909)

Cappelletti is one of Italy’s oldest aperitivo producers, based in Trentino–Alto Adige, a region where:

• Alpine herbs

• Wine traditions

• Ancient bitter liqueurs

…intersect.

Unlike Aperol or Campari, Cappelletti Aperitivo is wine-based, not spirit-based. This gives it:

• lower alcohol

• softer sweetness

• a textural, vinous quality

• deeper herbal resonance

Originally crafted as a medicinal bitter, Cappelletti’s recipe includes:

• Gentian

• Rhubarb root

• Citrus peels

• Alpine botanicals

• Local wines

Its brilliant red color comes from natural carmine—not neon artificial dyes—giving the spritz a more rustic, organic glow.

The Folk Hero of Aperitivo Hour

For decades, Cappelletti was the “local choice” in Trentino and parts of Veneto—served in trattorias, Alpine lodges, and lakeside cafés. It was a regional spritz long before aperitivo culture became a global fashion statement.

When the world fell in love with spritzes, Cappelletti stayed loyal to its roots—quietly traditional, defiantly Italian.

II. Historical Evolution

From Alpine Tradition to Global Trend

Cappelletti remained a local gem until the 2010s, when:

• craft bartenders rediscovered heritage Italian liqueurs

• importers expanded regional aperitivo distribution

• wine-based spirits surged in popularity

• consumers sought less sweet, more natural-tasting spritzes

Suddenly, Cappelletti was the insider’s choice.

Why Cappelletti Became the Bartender’s Spritz

The modern spritz renaissance (2000s–2010s) brought Aperol to international fame, overshadowing regional aperitivo styles. But bartenders wanted:

• more complexity

• less sweetness

• stronger herbal identity

• traditional, small-producer authenticity

Cappelletti delivered all four.

Its wine base appealed to natural wine bars. Its herbal blend resonated with amaro lovers. Its vivid red color photographed beautifully without looking artificial.

By the late 2010s, the Cappelletti Spritz became the preferred spritz among:

• sommeliers

• bartenders

• Italian expatriates

• aperitivo purists

• terroir-driven restaurants

It is now widely considered the most authentically old-world spritz.

III. Ingredients & Technique

A perfect Cappelletti Spritz relies on the harmony of three key components.

1. Cappelletti Aperitivo (the bitter)

Flavor profile:

• moderate bitterness

• botanical depth

• rustic wine character

• subtle fruit

• gentle sweetness

Compared to other aperitivi:

• Less sweet than Aperol

• Less bitter than Campari

• More herbal than Select

• More wine-like than all three

2. Prosecco (the sparkling wine)

Use:

• Brut or Extra Dry Prosecco

• Fresh bottle—Prosecco loses bubbles quickly

• Veneto-origin for regional authenticity

Prosecco complements Cappelletti’s wine base beautifully.

3. Soda Water (the lift)

A short spritz of soda water enhances:

• effervescence

• drinkability

• bitterness balance

4. Garnish

Traditional: orange wheelModern alternatives:

• lemon peel (for brightness)

• olive (Venetian influence)

• rosemary sprig (herbal lift)

5. Ice

Use large, dense cubes to ensure slow dilution.

6. Build Technique

Always build in the glass:

1. Ice

2. Cappelletti

3. Prosecco

4. Soda

5. Garnish

Stir once, gently.

The spritz is a casual drink—never shaken, never overly manipulated.

IV. Cultural Significance

1. A Love Letter to Northern Italy

The Cappelletti Spritz embodies everything the region stands for:

• Alpine herbs

• mountain wine culture

• Venetian aperitivo rituals

• slow-travel lifestyle

It’s the spritz you drink at:

• Lake Garda

• Trento terraces

• Verona piazzas

• Venetian bàcari

• Alpine inns after a day in the mountains

2. The Spritz for Connoisseurs

Among craft bartenders, the Cappelletti Spritz has a reputation:

“If Aperol is the crowd-pleaser, Cappelletti is the insider’s pick.”

It offers depth without intensity, inviting both novices and experts into the world of Italian bitters.

3. Wine Culture Meets Aperitivo Culture

Because Cappelletti is wine-based, it sits beautifully at the intersection of:

• natural wine bars

• amaro bars

• spritz-focused cafés

• farm-to-table restaurants

This makes it uniquely positioned in the modern beverage landscape.

4. Aesthetic & Emotional Appeal

The color, the simplicity, the rustic elegance—everything about the Cappelletti Spritz feels grounded, heartfelt, and distinctly Italian.

It’s a drink that tastes like a memory.

V. How to Make the Classic Version Today

Recipe — The Classic Cappelletti Spritz

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) Cappelletti Aperitivo

• 3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco

• 1 oz (30 ml) soda water

• Garnish: orange wheel (classic) or lemon peel

Method

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.

2. Add Cappelletti Aperitivo.

3. Add chilled Prosecco.

4. Finish with a splash of soda water.

5. Give a single gentle stir.

6. Garnish with an orange wheel.

Specs

• Glass: Large wine glass

• Ice: Full cubes

• Garnish: Orange wheel

• Style: Rustic, botanical Northern Italian spritz

Technique Notes

• Keep ingredients cold—no need to over-dilute.

• Add Prosecco before soda to maintain bubble structure.

• Avoid shaking; it destroys effervescence.

• For extra bitterness, increase Cappelletti to 2.5 oz.

Variations & Lineage

• Cappelletti Rosato Spritz: Use rosé Prosecco.

• Cappelletti Alpine Spritz: Add a rosemary sprig.

• Cappelletti Bianco Spritz: Add a splash of bianco vermouth.

• Cappelletti Sbagliato: Replace soda with more Prosecco for stronger bubbles.

• Cappelletti Americano: Cappelletti + vermouth + soda.

Service & Pairing Tip

Pairs beautifully with:

• marinated olives

• mortadella & pistachio

• fried artichokes

• focaccia

• baccalà mantecato

• grissini + prosciutto

Serve at golden hour, ideally outside.

VI. Modern Variations & Legacy

A Heritage Spritz for the Future

As more drinkers crave authenticity and regional nuance, the Cappelletti Spritz has become a star. It fits seamlessly into:

• natural wine bars

• craft cocktail lounges

• European-style aperitivo cafés

• culinary-driven restaurants

Why It Will Endure

• Wine-based complexity

• Rustic charm

• Beautiful color

• Versatile bitterness

• Regional authenticity

• Modern craft relevance

The Cappelletti Spritz is not just a variation on a theme—it's one of the purest expressions of spritz culture, rooted in history and ready for the next generation of drinkers.