Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter Liqueur | 28% | 700ml

Gran Classico Bitter is what happens when you take the bones of a classic aperitivo and breathe artisanal fire into it. If you're used to the blaring red of Campari or Aperol, consider this its more soulful, golden-hued cousin - richer, deeper, and unapologetically complex. Tempus Fugit unearthed a 19th-century Swiss recipe from Turin and gave it the full resurrection treatment, using over 25 herbs, roots, flowers, and spices to create a bitter that's as layered as it is luscious.

The colour alone sets the tone: a natural amber-gold, almost tea-stained, derived entirely from its botanicals - no artificial dyes here. It hints at what's to come: a profile that trades neon brightness for botanical nuance.

Bring it to your nose and it's an intoxicating mix - orange peel and gentian leap out first, followed by rhubarb root, wormwood, cinnamon, and a wisp of bittered honey. It smells like an old-world apothecary, if that apothecary also had excellent taste in cocktails. On the palate, it starts sweet and citrusy, like candied orange zest, before rolling into a complex wave of earthy bitterness and spice. There's a dry, herbal finish that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip - or better yet, another cocktail.

Speaking of which: this bottle is a powerhouse in the mixing glass. Sub it 1:1 for Campari in a Negroni and you'll get a richer, rounder, more aromatic take. Mix it with soda for an aperitivo that's refreshingly grown-up. Or pour it over ice with a twist of grapefruit and a splash of dry vermouth for something effortlessly continental. It also shines in lesser-known classics like the Old Pal or Boulevardier, where its warmth and depth play beautifully with rye and bourbon.

Gran Classico is for those who want to drink with intent. It's not about being loud - it's about being layered. A bitter with backbone, heritage, and undeniable charisma. This is the kind of bottle that elevates a backbar from solid to serious. Whether you're building out a refined cocktail toolkit or gifting a bitter lover something truly special, this one earns its keep - and then some.