No. 7 Italian Bitter Aperitif

Campari is the reference point, and No. 7 gets closer than most attempts because it commits to real bitterness instead of sweetening its way out of the problem. Blood orange and grapefruit zest lead, thyme and warm clove sit underneath, and quinine flavoring gives the finish the dry edge the style depends on. Color comes from vegetable concentrates and caramel sugar. It runs 12 calories and 2.8g of sugar per 1 fl oz pour, with roughly 25 pours in a bottle. This is the piece that unlocks a zero proof Negroni, equal parts with UNDONE's gin and vermouth alternatives, and it builds an Americano with vermouth and soda. On its own it stretches into a spritz with sparkling water and orange. Charcuterie, bitter greens and salty snacks all work, which is the entire job of a bitter aperitif.