Contrattino Aperitivo Italiano Non-Alcoholic 3pk

Contrattino Aperitivo Italiano Non-Alcoholic 3pk delivers the full ritual of Piedmontese aperitivo hour at zero proof. Made by Contratto, the Canelli-based house founded in 1867, this organic ready-to-drink sparkling aperitif is built from more than 30 botanicals — Madagascar vanilla, orange, tangerine, lemon, lime, elderflower, rose, cedar, rhubarb, coriander, quassia, and cinchona bark — and captures the bittersweet elegance and botanical depth of traditional Italian aperitifs without the alcohol. Each 200ml bottle is naturally colored with beets and carrots, fully vegan, and crafted to feel like a proper aperitivo, not a stand-in. For Chicago drinkers seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic options for spritz season or dry January, Contrattino brings substance and complexity to the table. Contratto's roots run deep in the Asti hills of Piedmont, where the house has been producing vermouth, spumante, and aperitifs for more than 150 years. The same botanical library and blending expertise that inform their classic vermouths shapes this zero-proof expression. The bitterness comes from quassia wood and cinchona bark, the same bittering agents used in traditional amari and quinquinas, while the floral and citrus layers are built from whole botanicals rather than extracts. The result is a sparkling aperitif with real structure, not just sweetness. The production is certified organic, and the color derives entirely from natural vegetable sources, a deliberate choice that reflects Contratto's commitment to transparency and ingredient integrity. The flavor is bright and citrus-forward on the opening, with orange and lemon peel leading into softer notes of elderflower and rose. The midpalate brings vanilla and a hint of rhubarb, and the finish is clean and herbal with a lingering bitterness from the cinchona and quassia that keeps it balanced rather than cloying. Serve it well chilled over ice as a standalone sipper, or stretch it into a zero-proof spritz with sparkling water and a twist of orange. It pairs naturally with antipasti, olives, and aged cheeses, and works equally well as an afternoon refresher on a patio or the centerpiece of a dry cocktail hour. The individual 200ml bottles make it easy to pack for picnics or serve at outdoor gatherings without committing to a full-size format. Contrattino Aperitivo Italiano Non-Alcoholic 3pk is available for pickup at Off Premise in Lincoln Park at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.