A Deep Dive into Bitter Fusetti

A special masterclass on Bitter Fusetti was held at Enoteca del Frate in Rome. The session was led by none other than Flavio Angiolillo, the renowned Milan-based bartender and founder of the Bitter Fusetti. As a key figure in the Farmily Group, which operates several well-known bars, Flavio has played a significant role in shaping Italy’s contemporary bar scene. Bitter Fusetti has already gained popularity across Europe and the U.S., and its influence continues to grow.

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The masterclass kicked off with a historical overview of bitters and their role in cocktail culture. Participants then explored the four variations of Bitter Fusetti, learning about their unique characteristics and how they can be used in cocktails. The session wrapped up with a tasting experience, making for an engaging and immersive hour-long journey into the world of Italian bitters.

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The Past, Present, and Future of the Farmily Group

A key highlight of the class was a discussion on the history of bitters, with fascinating stories about the people and events that shaped Italy’s liqueur culture. Four key historical moments were covered,

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・Bonifacio VIII (1230) 

・Caterina De’ Medici (1519) 

・The Emergence of Bottled Liqueurs

・The Birth of Vermouth (1786/1863)

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These insights showcased how bitter has evolved over the centuries, adapting to cultural shifts while maintaining its deep-rooted traditions. The discussion also touched on Mille Misture ("1000 Mixtures"), a cocktail recipe book published in 1936 by Elvezio Grassi. One standout recipe mentioned was the Haiti Cocktail, a drink with intriguing historical significance.

→1936 Elvezio Grassi - Mille Misture

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Bitter Fusetti - More Than Just a Liqueur

The philosophy behind Bitter Fusetti is encapsulated in the phrase: “Bitter per fare festa. Fusetti per fare l’amore.” (Bitter for the party, Fusetti for love.)

This playful yet poetic slogan reflects the brand’s core identity, bitters that bring both celebration and passion. The humor and creativity of Bitter Fusetti are also evident in its branding, which features a parody of the iconic painting Liberty Leading the People, with the slogan “LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FUSETTONE.” This adds a cultural and artistic dimension to the brand, making it more than just a spirit, it’s a symbol of joy, freedom, and camaraderie.

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Exploring the World of Bitter Fusetti

Bitter Fusetti is produced by Italy’s innovative Dripstillery, a distillery known for crafting liqueurs, spirits, bottled cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Unlike traditional bitters, Bitter Fusetti is unique in that it uses bourbon whiskey as its base spirit. The lineup includes four varieties, Original, Cacao, Banana, Mare (Sea).

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*Dripstillery

The brainchild of a group of young Italian entrepreneurs who set out to revolutionize the local spirits industry. Born from a collaboration between Fundeghera 1939 and the Farmily Group, the distillery specializes in private-label production while also launching its own innovative creations.

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Bitter Fusetti - The Signature

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The original Bitter Fusetti boasts a deep, rich red hue, with an aroma dominated by bright citrus notes. The flavor profile balances bitterness with fruity and floral elements, thanks to key botanicals like gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. Quassia, a medicinal plant, adds a distinctive bitter edge, while bitter orange and chinotto bring acidity and depth.

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This balanced formula makes Bitter Fusetti ideal for classic cocktails like the Americano and Negroni. It also shines in modern creations such as the Negroni del Marinaio, which includes amber vermouth, coffee liqueur, and mezcal. Whether served straight, on the rocks, or just shaken, Bitter Fusetti delivers a complex and versatile drinking experience.

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FUSETTONE

Bitter Fusetti

Galvanina BIO Pink Grapefruit Soda

・Simple yet refreshing serve that highlights the bitter and citrusy notes of Bitter Fusetti.

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MORBIDINO QUESTO AMERICANINO

Bitter Fusetti

Dry Vermouth

Aquavit

Elderflower

Galvanina BIO Mediterranean Tonic Water

・Sophisticated Americano-inspired drink with floral and herbal accents.

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Bitter Fusetti Cacao - A Darker Take on Bitters

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Bitter Fusetti Cacao is rich with notes of cacao berry and orange with a subtle sweetness. Originally released as a limited edition in 2021, its popularity led to its inclusion as a permanent offering in the lineup. The black-label packaging sets it apart as a special variant.

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Bounty Sour

40ml Bitter Fusetti Cacao

90ml Santa Teresa 1796 (Premium Rum)

270ml Coconut Water

40ml Monin Coconut Syrup

5g Citric Acid (for balance)

・This pre-batched cocktail is served chilled, either straight from the fridge or over ice, with a swizzle stick for a refined touch.

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BARISTA 2.0 (Casa Monti Signature Drink)

Bitter Fusetti Cacao

Cinnamon & Apple-Infused Vodka

Chicory Coffee

・Unique blend of cacao bitterness, warm spices, and coffee richness.

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Bitter Fusetti Banana - A Tropical Twist

Created for Dripstillery’s third anniversary, Bitter Fusetti Banana takes inspiration from Caribbean flavors. Unlike conventional bitters, it uses white rum as its base spirit, blending in banana and pimento for a distinctive tropical profile. This release pushes the boundaries of bitterness, proving that bitter flavors can transcend traditional categories.

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Bitter Fusetti Mare - A Coastal Creation

Bitter Fusetti Mare was launched to celebrate the brand’s fourth anniversary. Infused with Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with citrus and a hint of salt, this release explores the harmony between bitterness and salinity. It’s a perfect ingredient for adding a coastal twist to classic cocktails like the Negroni or Americano.

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Mitchettone

40ml Fusetti Mare

120ml Pink Grapefruit Soda (Galvanina)

Garnish: Rosemary Sprig

・ Crisp, herbaceous highball with a refreshing citrus bite.

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Fruttatino Questo Americanino

200ml Fusetti Mare

200ml Martini Rosso

400ml Mineral Water

1.25ml Citric Acid

200g Strawberry Yogurt

・ Inventive mix featuring creamy yogurt, bitters, and a touch of acidity, carbonated for a light, effervescent texture.

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Angurione

35ml Fusetti Mare

15ml Altos (Olmeca Altos Tequila)

5ml Ancho Reyes (spicy chili liqueur)

25ml Cranberry juice

25ml Lime juice

15ml Cucumber syrup

・Cocktail that blends Mexican and fresh elements. Built on an Altos Tequila base, the bitterness of Fusetti Mare and the smoky spice of Ancho Reyes add depth, while the tartness of cranberry and lime balance the flavors. The cucumber syrup rounds everything out with a refreshing touch.

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Sale in Zucca (Pumpkin & Salt) by Emanuele Cosi

40ml Fusetti Mare

10ml Chipotle

10ml Pumpkin Syrup

30ml Lemon Juice

・Smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet cocktail that highlights the depth of Fusetti Mare.

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Bello de Mario (The Beauty of Mario) by Asia Abballe

250ml Fusetti Mare

95ml Lemon juice

630ml Water

58g Instant peach tea powder

・Light, refreshing cocktail with a peach tea base. The bitterness of Fusetti Mare perfectly complements the slight astringency of black tea, creating a well-balanced and easy-to-drink experience.

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Negroni del Pescatore (Fisherman’s Negroni)

30ml Fusetti Mare

30ml Marsala Dry (dry Marsala wine)

10ml Oleato (olive distillate)

10ml Skinos (Greek Mastiha liqueur)

Olive garnish

・Pour all ingredients over ice, stir to chill, and garnish with an olive. The Mediterranean flavors of Marsala wine and Skinos add a unique twist to the classic Negroni, bringing a new depth to this timeless cocktail.

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*What is Oleato?

Oleato is an olive-based spirit created by Tripstillery. It is made by steeping extra virgin olive oil in pure alcohol for 25 days, with daily hand-shaking to extract the aromatic compounds. The mixture is then distilled with Taggiasca olives and olive leaves, with a final touch of seawater for balance.

This spirit, rich in olive aroma, can replace gin in a Negroni, enhance a Gin & Tonic, or add a unique twist to classic cocktails. It’s also an intriguing alternative to vodka in a Bloody Mary or as a complement to whiskey in a Whiskey Sour.

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Eco-Friendly Bag-in-Box Packaging

Fusetti is also available in a 3-liter bag-in-box format, perfect for those with limited storage space, pre-batching needs, or a preference for environmentally friendly products. Practical and convenient, it offers a sustainable solution for bars and home mixologists alike.

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Enoteca del Frate - A Historic Haven for Wine Lovers

The masterclass was held at Enoteca del Frate, a renowned wine shop  in Rome’s Prati district. A beloved destination for drink enthusiasts, Enoteca del Frate has a rich history dating back to 1922 when Umberto Del Frate first opened a wine shop at this location. Over generations, it has evolved into one of Rome’s top enotecas, offering over 3,000 wines and spirits.

Whether you’re looking to discover a special bottle, Enoteca del Frate is a must-visit destination in Rome’s charming Prati district.

Official Website of Enoteca del Frate

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Cocktail Party at Casa Monti

In the evening, a cocktail event took place at the rooftop bar of Casa Monti, a newly opened boutique hotel in Rome’s Monti district. Opened in 2024, Casa Monti blends French elegance with Roman tradition in a beautifully restored 18th-century building. The rooftop bar offers a breathtaking view of the city, featuring delicate bird sculptures and a stylish bohemian design that seamlessly merges art and nature. It’s an ideal setting for a sophisticated evening, where history and modernity come together in a unique atmosphere.

The event drew many guests eager to experience cocktails by Flavio Angiolillo.

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This cocktail party was proudly sponsored by Galvanina, an iconic Italian beverage brand with over a century of history.

Founded in 1910 in Rimini, Galvanina takes its name from the Galvanina mineral spring in the surrounding hills. The brand produces premium mineral water, flavored water, organic iced teas, and an extensive selection of organic fruit juices and mixers designed for professional bartenders.

Galvanina products are crafted with the finest natural ingredients, free from artificial sweeteners and preservatives. With a commitment to quality and tradition, the brand has evolved over time, expanding its reach to over 50 countries worldwide while maintaining its artisanal approach.

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Official Website of Galvanina

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Bitter Fusetti

https://www.bitterfusetti.com/

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