Gran Classico is an aperitif [ingredient=Amaro amaro] now made in Switzerland, but from a 1860's recipe from Turin. Ingredients include bitter orange, rhubarb, gentian, and wormwood.

Gran Classico is a warm reddish-amber color that lacks the neon aspect of Aperol or Campari. It tastes like a theoretical blend of 2/3 Aperol and 1/3 Campari, but it's less sweet and lingers more like Campari. It's 56 proof, and tastes a bit less sweet than Campari.

Like all aperitifs, Gran Classico does well over ice with some citrus and soda. It's also a good substitute for either Aperol or Campari.

Gran Classico website

Some popular cocktails containing Gran Classico

  • Marseille, July 4th, 1895 — Byrrh, Demerara Rum, Gran Classico, Cherry Liqueur, Pelinkovac, Cognac, Bitters, Grenadine, Rose water, Lactart
  • Malicious Mischief — Rye, Gran Classico, Bitters, Rose vermouth, Grapefruit peel
  • Giuseppe's Ferrari — Braulio, Sweet vermouth, Gran Classico, Orange bitters, Lemon peel, Salt
  • Silver Anniversary — Gin, Gran Classico, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Cherry Liqueur, Brandied cherry
  • Smoke on the Horizon — Mezcal, Dry vermouth, Bruto Americano, Gran Classico, Orange peel, Lemon peel
  • Brawny Man — Amaro dell'Erborista, Gran Classico, Scotch, Coffee liqueur, Orange peel
  • Viking's Cup — Gran Classico, Aromatized wine, Aquavit, Applejack, Bitters
  • It Only Hurts the First Time — Gran Classico, Cynar, Maurin Quina, PInk grapefruit juice
  • Bitter Raisin — Rye, Cognac, Cynar, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Gran Classico, Raisins, Orange peel
  • Mountains, Rivers, and Desert — Reposado Tequila, Aromatized wine, Gran Classico, Orange bitters, Orange peel
A bottle of Gran Classico
©2011 Z. Pearson