About Red Bitter Aperitif
 
While the base origin of all spritzes is the “Spritzer” (the soda siphon), the story of the “Spritz” we commonly see in Italy today shares a history with Cappelletti in the Triveneto. This drink is most typically a combination of a red bitter with wine, soda, and a slice of orange. Legend has it that the Emperor Franz Ferdinand enjoyed the bitter and sour notes when adding citrus into certain wines. During the First World War, soldiers of the Austrian Empire would order the Spritz to add depth to the local wine. Locals would counter that the Austrians could not handle the local bitter aperitivi without some dilution. As important as taste is the color, with Carmine (Cochineal) being a great source of pride (and wealth) for the region. This is because the all-natural color from carmine is a stunning crimson red, long prized in garments, food, and drink. Other, modern, iterations of red bitter use vegan-friendly color—all-natural flowers and fruits in the case of Cappelletti's Aperitivo Mazzura.