Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter
Martini’s red bitter, the house alternative to Campari. Aromatic, herbal and pronouncedly bitter, with a secret blend of herbs and spices. The missing third component of a Negroni made entirely with Martini.
The Martini house bitter
Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter, also known simply as Martini Bitter, is Martini & Rossi’s red Italian bitter from Pessione near Turin. It is aromatic, herbal and bitter, with a bright red color, and is made with a secret blend of herbs and spices. It’s not a vermouth but a bitter: more robust, and at 28.5% alcohol, almost twice as strong as Martini Rosso.
At the bar, it plays the same role as Campari. Combine it with gin and Riserva Speciale Rubino to make a Negroni where the vermouth and bitter come from the same house, or mix it with Rosso and soda for an Americano. Enjoy it neat if you love a truly bitter drink; with tonic or soda, it makes a light, thirst-quenching aperitif.
In brief
Aromatic, herbal and truly bitter
Herbs and peel
An aromatic, herbal nose with spices. Immediately recognizable as an Italian bitter.
Pronounced bitterness
A pronounced bitterness from herbs and spices, with a smooth undertone. At 28.5%, it has more body than a vermouth.
Long and dry
A long, dry, bitter finish that gets your mouth ready for food. That’s what an aperitif is for.
Flavor profile of Martini Bitter neat over ice. With soda or tonic, it stays bitter but becomes much lighter.
From Americano to bitter soda
Martini Bitter is a mixer for aperitivo. Three serves, from light to strong.
Americano
30 ml Martini Bitter and 30 ml Martini Rosso in a highball glass full of ice, topped with 90 ml soda and half a slice of orange. Light, bitter and the precursor to the Negroni.
Go to recipe →Bitter tonic
40 ml Martini Bitter with 120 ml tonic in a tall glass full of ice, with a slice of orange. The tonic makes it refreshing and brings out the herbs.
Highball glasses →Negroni
30 ml gin, 30 ml Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino and 30 ml Martini Bitter, stirred with ice and served in a tumbler over a large ice cube, with an orange peel.
Go to recipe →Cocktails made with Martini Bitter
You can use Martini Bitter anywhere a recipe calls for Campari. These are the cocktails where it shines the most.
Americano
Bitter, red vermouth and soda over ice. Low in alcohol and perfect before a meal.
Negroni Sbagliato
The “failed” Negroni: prosecco instead of gin. Lighter and bubbly, with the same bitter core.
Negroni
Equal parts gin, red vermouth and bitter. Add Rubino for a Negroni made with one brand.
Jungle Bird
Dark rum, pineapple, lime and red bitter. Bitter and tropical at the same time.Glasses for a bitter aperitivo
A tall glass for Americano and bitter tonic, a heavy tumbler for the Negroni and Jungle Bird, and a wine glass for the Sbagliato.
More Martini flavors
Martini
Where it all began. Read all about Martini on the brand page: its origins, varieties and classic cocktails.
Go to Martini →
Martini Bianco
White vermouth with vanilla and herbs. At its best mixed 50/50 with tonic in a large Copa glass.
View Martini Bianco →
Martini Fiero
Orange vermouth with blood orange. Mix equal parts with tonic in a large glass full of ice.
View Martini Fiero →
Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino
Full-bodied, woody red vermouth made from Langhe wine. Made for a Negroni or Manhattan with depth.
View Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino →
Martini Vibrante
The taste of red vermouth with bergamot, without alcohol. Mix with grapefruit and sparkling water for a spritz for the designated driver.
View Martini Vibrante →Everything about aperitifs: types, best-known brands, and cocktails.
Questions about Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter
Can't find your question here? Read more on the Martini page or browse our cocktail recipes.
Everything about Martini →What is the alcohol percentage of Martini Bitter?
Is Martini Bitter the same as Campari?
Is Martini Bitter a vermouth?
What do you mix Martini Bitter with?
Is Martini Bitter a liqueur?
Buy Martini
Want the bottle delivered right away? Order Martini online at Gall & Gall. Gall & Gall has 9 varieties, 2 of which are on sale.
Prices as of November 5, 2026, as reported by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy anything through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.
