Italicus Spritz Cocktail Recipe: How to Make the Classic Italian Drink

Bring a Taste of Italy Wherever You Are

The Italicus Spritz blends Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto with crisp prosecco, sparkling water, and green olives to create a light, citrus-forward cocktail with delicate floral notes. The bergamot liqueur lends a refined, refreshing character that feels elegant and effervescent — an ideal drink for warm afternoons or casual gatherings.

I first discovered this spritz by accident at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion in the World Showcase. My usual daytime spot there is tucked behind Tutto Italia Ristorante and Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, where you can grab a drink at the wine cellar bar and relax outside by the fountain. It’s a great place to people-watch while enjoying a taste of Italy without leaving home.

For years I’ve thought the Aperol Spritz at EPCOT was among the best, and apparently many others agree — the line was enormous on my last visit. We eventually wandered over to Tutto Italia Ristorante to escape the crowds. I hadn’t eaten there before because its reviews are mixed, but we decided to order an appetizer, sit on the patio, and cool off with a cocktail. That’s when I spotted the Italicus Spritz on the menu and was immediately intrigued, especially when I saw it was served with olives.

Odd as it may sound, my friend’s wife drinks Diet Coke with olives and swears by it. After tasting this cocktail, I finally understood the salty-and-sweet appeal. The savory olive garnish adds a little briny counterpoint that heightens the brightness of the bergamot and the sparkle of the prosecco.

What Does an Italicus Spritz Taste Like?

The first sip made me a convert. The dominant flavors are bright citrus and bergamot — those slightly floral, tea-like citrus notes you might recognize from Earl Grey — balanced with gentle sweetness. Unlike some floral liqueurs that can come off heavy or overly perfumed, Italicus feels softer and fresher, with a more refined floral profile.

Prosecco adds crisp dryness and lively bubbles, providing just enough sweetness to lift the bergamot without overpowering it. The green olives introduce a subtle saline bite that makes the drink surprisingly more refreshing and layered. It’s one of those cocktails that lingers in your mind long after the glass is empty.

What Is Italicus?

The liqueur used in this cocktail is Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. It’s an Italian liqueur built around bergamot, complemented by floral and botanical notes such as chamomile and lavender. If you know Earl Grey tea, bergamot delivers that distinctive bright citrus aroma and flavor.

Despite thinking it might be a rare find, I discovered bottles at local retailers back home. The liqueur reads as elegant and balanced — floral but not cloying, citrusy but not sharp. The bottle’s pale blue ribbed glass is also visually striking, evoking the Amalfi Coast and making it a keepsake even after the bottle is empty.

Make It Your Own

Part of the fun with an Italicus Spritz is customizing it to your taste. Italicus pairs well with many flavors, so you can tailor the spritz in a few simple ways:

• If you want brighter citrus, add a splash of limoncello or a bit of blood orange soda.
• For herbal notes, garnish with fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to bring a garden-fresh dimension.
• A few dashes of orange or grapefruit bitters add complexity and a cocktail-bar feel without overwhelming the bergamot.
• For a sweeter, more floral version, mix in a small splash of elderflower liqueur; for a stronger aperitivo, add a splash of gin.
• Cucumber ribbons or a lightly salted rim work wonderfully in summer, emphasizing the salty-citrus contrast that makes the drink sing.

We Also Ate…

At Tutto Italia we ordered a few appetizers and everything was excellent. The Wagyu beef starter arrived thinly sliced with lemon dressing, olive oil, and parmesan — a lovely balance of richness, salt, and bright citrus. My mom ordered the grilled octopus and enjoyed how tender and well-prepared it was. With patio seating, festival displays, spritzes, wine, and the sound of Italian around us, it genuinely felt like an afternoon in Italy.

Some Tipsy Pairings

If you’re making this drink at home, here are a few appetizers that pair particularly well:

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

The EPCOT Birkin

I finally caved and bought the much-talked-about “EPCOT Birkin” from the Italy Pavilion. The Italian leather is soft and fragrant, and the bag looks more luxurious than its price suggests — especially when you can use discounts or points. With so many colors available, it made for a chic, practical souvenir that doesn’t feel overly themed.

If you’re visiting the Italy Pavilion and want a versatile souvenir that feels elegant and useful, these bags are worth a look.

Yield: 1 cocktail

Italicus Spritz Recipe

A light, floral Italian cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass. Italicus brings bergamot and citrus notes while prosecco keeps the drink bubbly and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
• 3 ounces prosecco
• 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water
• Ice
• Green olives for garnish
• Optional: grapefruit slice or lemon twist

Instructions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Italicus.
3. Add the prosecco and top with club soda.
4. Stir gently so you don’t lose the bubbles.
5. Garnish with 2 to 3 green olives and a grapefruit slice if desired.