Mondino Amaro Bavarese Rosso. Organic bitter aperitif from the Chiemgau region with bitter orange, rhubarb, and gentian, 18% ABV.

Mondino Amaro Bavarese Rosso is an organic bitter aperitif from Traunstein in the Chiemgau region: bitter oranges from the Amalfi Coast and Spain, fresh rhubarb, yellow gentian from the Alps, and hibiscus blossoms, macerated with Bavarian spring water, 18% ABV, 700 ml. No artificial colors, no artificial flavors, not a sugar bomb – an amaro with low sugar content for Spritz, Tonic, and Negroni.

Amaro Bavarese Rosso by Mondino – currently marketed by the producer as Mondino Aperitivo – is an amaro inspired by the Italian tradition. An amaro is a bitter: herbs, roots, blossoms, and citrus peels are macerated in alcohol, the extract is balanced with water and a bit of sugar, and the bitter components set the tone. In Italy, a glass like this is a staple for the hour before dinner, served with ice and a splash of soda. Mondino brings this concept to the Chiemgau: the recipe originates from Italy, the gentian from the Alps, the bitter oranges from the Mediterranean, and the water from Bavaria. Picture the first warm Friday evening, a wine glass filled with ice, three centiliters of Rosso, Prosecco, a splash of tonic, and a lemon twist. "A little 'dolce vita' is always a good idea," says the producer, and that hits the nail on the head.

Bitter-fruity, herbal, fresh – and significantly less sweet than usual

The Rosso tastes first of bitter orange, then of tangy rhubarb and spicy-tart gentian, while remaining light. The producer summarizes the profile in four words: fresh, bitter-fruity, herbal, natural.

The bitter oranges come from the Amalfi Coast and Spain and, according to Mondino, are always macerated fresh when they have reached their ideal level of ripeness. They contribute the citrus fruit and the initial bitterness to the glass. Fresh rhubarb provides a tangy counterpoint, and yellow gentian from the Alps adds the spicy tartness known from alpine herbal bitters. Added to this are aromatic alpine herbs and Bavarian spring water, which the producer describes as a soft base. The vibrant red hue comes from hibiscus blossoms, meaning the color is derived entirely from the blossoms themselves.

What distinguishes the Rosso from a classic Italian bitter aperitif is the sugar: Mondino states that they use a low sugar content, keeping the amaro more tart than sticky in the glass. At 18% ABV, it carries well in a Spritz without dominating the drink. The Rosso contains quinine – as stated on the label, it is an essential part of the profile. Those who prefer something softer and rounder will find the barrel-aged Amaro Bavarese Stagionato, a version with vanilla notes from the oak barrel.

Mondino Spritz, Mondino Tonic, German Negroni – three recipes from the producer

The Rosso is made for a Spritz, works as a long drink with tonic, and replaces red bitter in a Negroni. It can also be enjoyed neat over ice, where you can taste the orange, rhubarb, and gentian undiluted.

For a Mondino Spritz, fill a wine glass with ice, add 3 to 4 cl of Rosso, top up with 10 cl of Prosecco, and round it off with 3 to 4 cl of tonic water. Garnish with a lemon twist or a slice of lemon. A Mondino Tonic requires even less: 5 cl of Rosso over ice, topped up with tonic water, and a grapefruit or lemon twist in the glass. For a German Negroni, stir 2 cl each of Rosso, red vermouth, and gin in a tumbler over ice and add an orange twist. On their recipe page, the producer features many other drinks using the aperitivo, from a Sbagliato to a Hot Toddy for the winter.

This is a spirit with 18% ABV; it may only be sold to persons aged 18 and over. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, even after opening.

Our tip: Place the wine glass in the freezer beforehand and increase the tonic portion slightly to taste – the Rosso will remain tarter, and the Spritz will taste fresher than with Prosecco alone.

Recipe from Italy, distilled in the Chiemgau: the story behind Mondino

Mondino comes from the Schnitzer distillery in Kaltenbach near Traunstein, a family distillery in the Chiemgau region that has existed for over 100 years according to the producer. The history of the amaro begins in Italy in the 1960s.

That is where master distiller Hans learned his craft and brought the recipe for an amaro back with him to the Chiemgau. Decades later, his grandson Max revived the old family recipe together with his friends Ferdinand, Florian, and Benedikt. The four gave it a modern interpretation: strictly organic, refined with regional ingredients, and with a low sugar content. This is why the producer calls the Rosso "the Bavarian with Italian roots."

The amaro is produced by hand in the Chiemgau foothills. The bitter oranges are macerated fresh, herbs and fruits combine in Bavarian spring water, and then the blend is left to mature. The herbs and fruits used are certified organic and sourced from the region whenever possible; the organic inspection body is DE-ÖKO-007. According to the producer, color and taste are purely a matter of the ingredients: hibiscus for the red, and fruits and herbs for the rest.

For the aperitivo hour, the home bar, and as a gift from Bavaria

Amaro Bavarese Rosso is the bottle for anyone who likes to mix their own Spritz at home and is looking for a bitter with character and little sugar. It is perfect for hosts who serve a glass over ice before dinner, for the home bar to make Negronis and Tonics, and as a gift for those who enjoy Italy and love Bavaria.

If you want to start the evening alcohol-free, choose the Bio Aperitivo Senza from the same distillery – according to the producer, all Mondino recipes can be mixed with it without alcohol. You can find both bottles and the barrel-aged special edition on our Mondino page. The Rosso is not suitable for those who expect a sweet, mild Spritz – it is tart and bitter-fruity and requires tonic or Prosecco as a partner. And it is not for guests who generally avoid bitter flavors.

Bitter orange, rhubarb, gentian, and Bavarian spring water – the organic bitter aperitif from the Chiemgau region for your Friday night Spritz and your home bar Negroni.