Lucas Bols to Bring First Ristretto Liqueur Stateside

Lucas Bols, the world’s oldest distilled spirits brand, will bring Galliano Ristretto, the first and only Ristretto liqueur to the states this fall.

Named for a very short and extra strong shot of espresso, Galliano Ristretto is an artisan liqueur made with 100% espresso sourced from the finest Robusta and Arabica beans.

“Galliano is a sophisticated range of Italian artisan liqueurs, offering bartenders the richest and finest tastes of Italy,” said Tal Nadari, Managing Director of Lucas Bols USA. “We are thrilled to own this first and bring the vibrantly flavored Ristretto to the U.S. to enrich the palette for American bartenders and consumers.” Ristretto is 100% natural, made without additives and is commonly consumed as a digestivo in its native Italy. It has a 60 proof ABV and offers a full body coffee flavor without the use of cream or chocolate, making it unique in the coffee liqueur category. Galliano Ristretto consists of 55% Arabica beans from Columbia and Brazil lending creamy chocolate notes combined with 45% Robusta beans from India and Kenya that provide the right touch of body and bitterness. Galliano Ristretto can work as a pungent stand in for coffee liqueur in classics like the Black or White Russian or mixed with coffee as a winter warmer. Additional ways to imbibe Galliano Ristretto are with Coke as a pick-me-up in place of modern day Redbull, Galliano Ristretto and Cream, or as a cold shot (see recipes below).

Lucas Bols brought the iconic Galliano brand back to its USA portfolio earlier this fall and celebrated the return with the launch of Galliano L’Autentico based on the 1896 recipe for the eponymous liqueur, which is a key ingredient in such classics as the Harvey Wallbanger and the Golden Cadillac. Galliano Ristretto is being released in the U.S. this month.

Galliano Ristretto will be available throughout the US kicking off in multiple states nationwide in October 2010. Available in two sizes: 750ml for $29.99 and 375ml  for $16.99. The original 750 ml Galliano L’Autentico bottle is sold nationwide at liquor stores, restaurants and lounges and imported by Lucas Bols USA, Manhasset, NY.

Galliano Cold Shot
A layered shot with equal parts Galliano Ristretto, Galliano L’Autentico and cream.  This is a variation on the already popular hot shot, a layered shot containing Galliano L’Autentico, Espresso and cream.

Galliano on the Rocks
Serve Galliano Ristretto over ice in a tumbler glass.

Galliano Black and White Russian
3/4 ounces Galliano Ristretto
1 3/4 ounces Vodka
1 3/4 ounces fresh cream
Pour Galliano Ristretto in a pre-chilled martini glass.
Shake and strain the vodka and cream together and layer with a bar spoon over Galliano Ristretto. Garnish with three coffee beans.
*Alternatively, make the Ultimate Black Russian without adding cream.

Galliano Ristretto and Coke
Pour 2 ounces Galliano Ristretto into a long drink glass filled with ice, and top off with coke.

Created in 1896 in Livorno by an Italian named Arturo Vaccari, Galliano is the iconic brand from Italy, known to so many in the trade as well as amongst consumers worldwide. It is an artisanal and sophisticated liqueur, delicious as a stand-alone drink or as a perfect cocktail enhancing ingredient. The extreme production process blends six different distillations, amongst them the distillate of the 30 herbs and spices, a vanilla distillate, a juniper berry distillate and the green anise distillate into a complex and delicious liquid. Housed in a distinctive tall and slender bottle, Galliano L’Autentico is based on the original 1896 recipe highlighting its Italian roots. Galliano is owned by Lucas Bols B.V., the oldest distilled spirits brand company in the world, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Established in 1575 in Amsterdam, Lucas Bols B.V. draws upon a long and rich heritage that forms the basis for all of its brands. As one of the world’s leading cocktail liqueur and spirit producers, the company prides itself on its commitment to innovation and excellence, incorporating the lively, cosmopolitan spirit of modern day Amsterdam with an international flavor. Lucas Bols distributes across 110 countries. For more information on the Lucas Bols B.V., visit www.lucasbols.com.