THE CRODINO STORY:

Born in Crodo, 1964: Crodino takes its name from the small Alpine town of Crodo in northwestern Piedmont, where it was first created in 1964. Originally launched as “Picador,” then briefly “Biondino,” it became Crodino in 1965—and quickly established itself as Italy’s quintessential non-alcoholic aperitif.

60+ Years of Italian Ritual: For over six decades, Crodino has been synonymous with Italian aperitivo culture—that sacred pre-dinner hour when friends gather as the sun sets to enjoy light, bitter drinks paired with small savory snacks (stuzzichini) to stimulate the appetite before dinner.

Part of Campari Heritage: Acquired by Gruppo Campari in 1995, Crodino joined the family of iconic Italian aperitifs. The drink continues to be produced using water from the pristine Fonte Lisiel spring in Crodo, maintaining its connection to Alpine purity and Italian tradition.

Italy’s #1 Non-Alcoholic Aperitif: Crodino is the most consumed and most famous non-alcoholic aperitif in Italy. Walk into any Italian bar during aperitivo hour and you’re guaranteed to spot several Crodinos being enjoyed.

THE SECRET RECIPE:

Six-Month Infusion: The heart of Crodino’s unique taste lies in its traditional production method—unchanged since 1965. A secret blend of high-quality botanicals is carefully infused and left to mature for up to six months in oak barrels. This extended aging allows the flavors to develop, blend, and harmonize into something truly unique.

Complex Botanical Blend: While the exact recipe remains secret (known only to a select few), Crodino’s flavor comes from an expertly blended infusion of:

Bitter orange peels (the foundation)

Aromatic spices: cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, coriander

Herbs and roots from around the world

Woods that add depth during barrel aging

The result is a concentrated herbal extract that’s then diluted with natural spring water from the Fonte Lisiel, carbonated, and lightly sweetened.

APPEARANCE: Bright, sparkling rust-orange to deep golden-amber color—the iconic “biondo” (blond) hue that gives Crodino its nickname. Effervescent with a continuous stream of fine bubbles. Clear and inviting.

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Lingering orange and fruity notes, brightly spiced with herbal hints. Citrus-forward with distinctive bitter orange. Complex aromatics that promise sophistication.

Palate: Opens with citrus and distinctive orange notes, leading to an intriguing bittersweet character that’s layered with complex spices. The taste is neither too sweet nor too bitter—perfectly balanced. Herbal complexity underneath with hints of vanilla, cardamom, and aromatic woods. Sparkling and refreshing with lively carbonation. Mature and grown-up without being aggressive.

Finish: Sophisticated and surprising finish of citrus spiciness with herbal and woody undertones. Clean, refreshing, and appetite-stimulating. The slight bitterness lingers pleasantly—doing exactly what an aperitivo should: opening the palate and preparing you for a meal.

CHARACTER: Crodino strikes the perfect balance—more bitter and less sweet than typical soft drinks, but more approachable than aggressive bitter aperitifs. It’s a grown-up, sippable drink with complexity and depth. The taste is often described as reminiscent of Italian amari (bitter liqueurs) but without the alcohol burn.

THE TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SERVE:

Crodino Classico:

Fill a large wine glass (preferably long-stemmed) with ice

Pour Crodino over the ice (entire 100ml bottle)

Garnish with a slice of fresh orange

Serve immediately with Italian aperitivo snacks

The Bottle-in-Glass Method: Some Italian bars serve Crodino in the authentic style—bottle tipped upside down and left standing in the glass with ice. Theatrical and traditional!

Best Temperature: Serve well-chilled. Keep bottles refrigerated for instant aperitivo.

APERITIVO CULTURE:

The Perfect Aperitivo Companion: Crodino embodies the Italian ritual of aperitivo—that sacred hour before dinner (typically 6-8pm) when Italians gather to socialize, stimulate the appetite, and transition from day to evening. The term “aperitivo” comes from the Latin aperire meaning “to open”—and that’s exactly what Crodino does: opens the palate and prepares you for the meal ahead.

Food Pairing: Serve alongside traditional Italian stuzzichini (small snacks):

Olives, nuts, and potato chips

Salumi and cheese boards

Focaccia and bruschetta

Tramezzini (Italian sandwiches)

Prosciutto-wrapped melon

Arancini and fried appetizers

Any savory, salty snacks

The bittersweet character cuts through rich foods and cleanses the palate beautifully.

WHO CRODINO IS FOR:

✓ Non-drinkers seeking sophisticated alternatives

✓ Designated drivers who want more than cola

✓ Pregnant women and nursing mothers

✓ Mindful drinkers reducing alcohol intake

✓ Anyone during the day who wants aperitivo without alcohol

✓ The whole family (though note the E110 colorant advisory for children)

✓ Foodies who appreciate complex, grown-up flavors

✓ Italophiles wanting authentic Italian culture

Perfect for bringing everyone together—no one feels left out at aperitivo hour.

THE 100ML SINGLE-SERVE FORMAT:

Perfect Portioning: Each 100ml bottle is the ideal aperitivo serving—enough to enjoy properly, light enough to leave you ready for dinner.

Grab-and-Go Convenience: No mixing, measuring, or pouring required. Just chill, open, pour over ice, and enjoy.

Freshness Guaranteed: Individual bottles mean optimal carbonation every time. No flat leftovers.

Perfect for:

Individual enjoyment at home

Picnics and outdoor gatherings

Restaurants and cafés

Parties (no bartending skills required)

Travelling

Keeping a stash in the fridge