Ingredients
Alpine herbs, gentian and bitter orange infused into a Trentino white wine base rather than neutral spirit. The colour comes from natural carmine, the traditional colouring red bitters used before synthetic dyes.
- ✦Gentian root
- ✦Bitter orange peel
- ✦Alpine herbs of Trentino
- ✦Wormwood
- ✦Rhubarb
- ✦White wine base
History of the Brand
The Cappelletti family began making liqueurs in Trentino in 1906 and still runs the company today.
Aperitivo Americano Rosso is made the pre-industrial way — a wine base, herb infusion, natural colouring — which is exactly why American bartenders latched onto it in the 2010s.
'Americano' here refers to the bittered aperitivo style, not the country; the same naming logic that gave the Americano cocktail its name.
Its lower alcohol and wine base make it a favourite for low-ABV cocktail programmes, and it has become the standard Campari swap on menus wanting something drier.
Tasting Characteristics
Sour cherry, orange peel, dried herbs and a wine note.
Tart red fruit, firm gentian bitterness, less sugar than Campari.
Dry and clean with lingering root bitterness.
Flavor meter
How to serve it
- 01In a Negroni in place of Campari for a drier, lower-proof drink.
- 02Over ice with soda and a lemon twist.
- 03In a spritz with prosecco.
- 04In an Americano with sweet vermouth and soda.
- 05Chilled and neat before dinner.
Where to Get It
Well distributed in the US and inexpensive. Because it is wine-based, refrigerate after opening.
Specialty bottle shops
Often the cheapest quality red bitter on the shelf.
Online spirits retailers
Listed as 'Cappelletti Aperitivo' or 'Cappelletti Rosso'.
Italy
Common across Trentino and the northeast.
Where to buy Cappelletti Aperitivo Americano Rosso
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Cappelletti Aperitivo Americano Rosso FAQ
What is Cappelletti Aperitivo?
+
A red Italian aperitivo from Trento made by infusing alpine herbs, gentian and bitter orange into a white wine base, bottled at 17% ABV.
Is Cappelletti a good Campari substitute?
+
Yes, and it is the most common one. It is drier and less sweet than Campari with lower alcohol, so Negronis made with it are lighter and more bitter.
Does Cappelletti need refrigeration?
+
Yes — it is wine-based, so keep it in the fridge after opening and finish it within a couple of months.
Why is it called 'Americano'?
+
In Italian bar language 'americano' describes the bittered aperitivo style, the same usage behind the Americano cocktail. It is not a reference to the United States.
What colours Cappelletti red?
+
Natural carmine, the traditional colouring used by Italian red bitters before synthetic dyes.