This summer and fall, a nationwide toast to Italian culture takes center stage. ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto and SAVOIA Rosso & Orancio have partnered with Felice, part of SA Hospitality Group, to launch a two-month Italian aperitivo celebration that blends timeless tradition with modern mixology. The collaboration unfolds across New York, Florida, and California, offering a multi-sensory journey into the art of the aperitivo.
From limited-edition cocktails and themed pop-up events to masterclasses and guest bartender takeovers, this partnership invites guests to experience the aperitivo ritual like never before.
A Seasonal Campaign Rooted in Italian Tradition
Timed with key cultural moments, the campaign launched on National Spritz Day with the exclusive ITALICUS Spritz—a bright and refreshing combination of ITALICUS, prosecco, and olives. Served from a branded bar cart, this signature drink is now featured at select restaurants within the SA Hospitality Group.
“Our goal is to bring the joy of aperitivo to life,” says Giuseppe Gallo, founder of ITALICUS. “This partnership with Felice lets us celebrate our Italian roots while sharing this tradition with new audiences.”
This Italian aperitivo celebration offers an authentic taste of la dolce vita, tailored for both seasoned cocktail lovers and curious newcomers.
September Ushers In Aperitivo Month
In honor of National Rosolio Day on September 1, Felice will introduce its first-ever Aperitivo Month menu. Available only for a limited time, the menu features three custom cocktails:
- ITALICUS Spritz
- Orancio Spritz
- Italoamericano, a bold blend of ITALICUS and SAVOIA
Guests are also invited to attend Aperitivo Masterclasses, intimate educational sessions that explore the cultural history of aperitivo, modern trends, and how this Italian tradition is gaining momentum across the U.S.
Negroni Week Brings the Celebration to a Close
The final phase of the campaign aligns with Negroni Week, presenting a cocktail menu that highlights:
- SAVOIA Negroni Rosso
- SAVOIA Negroni Orancio
- ITALICUS Negroni Bianco
To wrap up the Italian aperitivo celebration, participating Felice locations in New York and Miami will host exclusive mixology classes, guest bartender events, and curated tasting experiences. These immersive events underscore the versatility of both ITALICUS and SAVOIA while elevating the role of aperitivo in modern cocktail culture.
Participating Venues
The campaign spans across several key hospitality hubs including:
- Felice (NYC, Brooklyn, Miami, West Palm Beach, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Costa Mesa)
- Bar Calico
- Layla
- Gansevoort Meatpacking
- Spina
More locations available upon request.
Bring the Aperitivo Home
ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto and SAVOIA Rosso & Orancio are available at select retailers for $39.99 and $24.99, respectively. Whether you’re building a home bar or gifting a cocktail enthusiast, these bottles offer a stylish and flavorful tribute to Italy’s most cherished pre-dinner tradition.
To learn more, visit rosolioitalicus.com or casa-savoia.com.
About ITALICUS® Rosolio Di Bergamotto
ITALICUS was created by the authority of Italian spirits, Giuseppe Gallo, to bring back the forgotten Rosolio category. With key notes of Calabrian bergamot, ITALICUS is made using the finest Italian ingredients to create a sip of Italy. The striking bottle design embodies the history and heritage of Italy’s distinctive regions, while telling the story of Rosolio’s time-honored traditional drinking occasion of Aperitivo.
ITALICUS is one of the top-awarded aperitivo brands globally. ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto was awarded Best New Spirit 2017 at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, and Top Trending Liqueur Brand by Drinks International in the years from 2019 to 2023.
Additional awards include: DOUBLE GOLD – World Wine Spirits Trophy 2021; Italian Aperitif of the year GOLD MEDAL – NYISC 2021 and 2016; Tasting GOLD medal 2018, 2019 – Women & Wine and spirits awards; Best New European Spirit at the Mixology Awards 2017 in Berlin; Best Product at FIBAR 2017; Packaging awards GOLD MEDAL 2017 and Contemporary Awards TROPHY – International Wine & Spirits Competition 2017; Packaging Trophy – Harpers Design 2017; Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017; Platinum Best of Luxury – Pentawards 2017; Best New Product – Bar Awards 2016; EXCEPTIONAL quality certificate – Difford’s Guide 2016.
ABOUT SAVOIA ROSSO
SAVOIA is a vino aperitivo created by the beverage industry innovator Giuseppe Gallo. Made with a blend of over 20 botanicals in a historic Turin distillery, it displays a bold, typically amaro-dolce aromatic profile, providing a perfect point of contact between red bitters and sweet vermouths for a range of classic Italian cocktails. SAVOIA Rosso is the only vegan-friendly red bitter – its color does not originate from cochineal, but from ingredients of vegetable origin (red potato and beta-carotene). It has a low alcohol content and is low in sugar, making it a great option for the conscious consumer. It has an 18.6% ABV in honor of the unification of Italy in 1861.
SAVOIA was awarded the “Product Innovation of the Year 2022” Award at the Bar Awards of Bargiornale in Italy and has already received numerous awards in the international field for design and its innovation including: 2023 Best Innovation Aperitif at Cocktails Spirits in France, 2022 Gold Medal at Global Spirits Design Masters, Gold Medal at the Bartender Spirit Awards in the UK and more.
About Giuseppe Gallo
Giuseppe Gallo is one of the world’s most respected bartenders and drinks-industry innovators, with an unrivaled passion for the drinks business and an inimitable source of knowledge and insight into the world of aperitivo. Hailing from the Amalfi Coast, his passion for mixology stems from his strong Italian heritage. Giuseppe is widely considered a vermouth expert and he has spent over 15 years traveling the world and educating consumers and professionals on the category. This work has culminated in winning ‘International Ambassador of the Year’ at the prestigious awards in the drinks industry, Tales Of The Cocktail’s Spirited Awards in 2014. In September 2016 he created Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto which reinvigorated a forgotten aperitivo category, which has won countless industry awards since its launch. In 2019, Giuseppe launched the Roma Bar Show, the first-ever international cocktail festival in the country.
About Felice Restaurants
In 2007, the first Felice opened on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, creating a unique space for New Yorkers inspired by the spirit of the Italian countryside and the wines of Tuscany. Set in an inviting and cozy atmosphere, Felice offers an extensive, Italian-driven wine list alongside a rustic menu of Tuscan-inspired dishes. Today, there are locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida.
