Italicus Spritz

Bring A Taste Of Italy To Wherever You Are

This Italicus Spritz combines Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, crisp prosecco, sparkling soda water, and green olives for a light, citrusy cocktail with delicate floral notes. The bergamot liqueur gives this spritz a refreshing flavor that tastes elegant, bubbly, and perfect for summer afternoons.

Last week I accidentally discovered my new favorite cocktail at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion in the World Showcase. Normally my regular little daytime “reset spot” at EPCOT is tucked into the back corner near Tutto Italia Ristorante and Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.

This is where you can grab a drink from the wine cellar bar and sit outside by the fountain. I love to people watch here and see everyone carrying giant slices from the pizza window while pretending I am living my best Italian vacation life.

For years I’ve sworn they make one of the best Aperol Spritzes anywhere. Apparently everyone else on the internet discovered that too, because the line was absolutely insane this trip.

We finally gave up and wandered over to Tutto Italia Ristorante instead. I had never actually eaten there before because honestly it doesn’t always get the greatest reviews.

We figured we’d order an appetizer, sit on the patio, and cool off with a drink. Then I spotted an Italicus Spritz on the menu and immediately became intrigued because it came with olives.

My best friend’s wife drinks Diet Coke with olives in it. I know at first sounds slightly unhinged, but after trying this cocktail I suddenly understood the salty-sweet vision.

What Does An Italicus Spritz Taste Like?

The minute this drink hit the table I was obsessed. It had these bright citrus and bergamot flavors that reminded me a little of Earl Grey tea crossed with lemon candy.

Sometimes floral liqueurs, like St-Germain for me personally, can lean a little too “grandma sprayed department store fragrance counter directly into my mouth.” This was softer, fresher, and way more balanced.

The prosecco was crisp and slightly dry with just enough sweetness to make the citrus flavors pop. Then the olives added this salty little bite that somehow made the whole drink taste even more refreshing.

It instantly became one of those drinks where after the first sip you already know you’re going to spend the next week thinking about it.

What Is Italicus?

The liqueur in this cocktail is called Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. After trying this spritz in the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, I immediately became obsessed.

I was shocked to find out I could grab a bottle right at Binny’s here in Chicago. I fully assumed this was some magical hard-to-find Italian Disney drink ingredient.

Italicus is an Italian bergamot liqueur made with citrus and floral botanicals like chamomile and lavender. If you’ve ever had Earl Grey tea, bergamot is that bright citrus flavor.

This tastes softer, fresher, and more elegant without being overly perfumey or sweet.

The bottle itself is also absolutely gorgeous with pale blue ribbed glass that looks straight out of the Amalfi Coast. It honestly feels like one of those bottles you keep forever even after it’s empty because it’s just that pretty.

Make It Your Own

Customizing this spritz is honestly half the fun because the Italicus works with so many different flavor combinations.

If you like a brighter citrus flavor, add a splash of limoncello or blood orange soda.

For more herbal cocktails, a sprig of fresh basil, thyme, or even rosemary adds a really fresh garden flavor.

A couple dashes of orange or grapefruit bitters makes the drink taste a little more elevated and cocktail bar-style without overpowering the delicate bergamot notes.

If you like sweeter floral drinks, a small splash of St-Germain can make it taste more botanical and romantic, while adding a splash of gin gives it a stronger, more classic aperitivo feel.

I also think cucumber ribbons or even a salted rim could be incredible for summer because the salty and citrus combination is what really makes this cocktail shine.

We Also Ate…

We ended up ordering a couple appetizers at Tutto Italia in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion. Everything we had was excellent.

The Wagyu beef appetizer was thin sliced beef with lemon dressing, olive oil, and parmesan that perfectly balanced rich, salty, and bright citrus flavors.

My mom ordered the grilled octopus appetizer and loved how tender and perfectly cooked it was. Between the patio seating, Flower and Garden Festival displays, spritzes, wine, and families speaking Italian around us, it truly felt like we had escaped to Italy for the afternoon.

Some Tipsy Pairings

If you want to make this drink at home I have a couple of appetizers that would make a perfect pairing.

• Whipped Parmesan and Honey Pecan Dip
• Filet Mignon Sliders on Garlic Parmesan Rolls
• Cheesy Parmesan Dippers

The Epcot Birkin

I finally gave in and bought the famous “EPCOT Birkin bag” from the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT and honestly…I get the hype. The Italian leather feels soft anmd smells amazing. It looks far more expensive than the roughly $100 price point. Especially after using my annual passholder discount and Disney Visa redemption points.

The Italy Pavilion shops had so many gorgeous colors to choose from and it ended up being one of my favorite souvenirs from the trip. If you’re looking for a chic, practical EPCOT souvenir that is not overly Disney-themed, definitely check these bags out.