Coming to us via Italy, C*zzimma has created a few aperitivos for our enjoyment. When speaking of cocktails, aperitivos are what Italy is known for, of course. That pre-dinner ritual of socially sharing a bitter drink that stimulates the appetite is similar to what we refer to as Happy Hour in the U.S.
C*zzimma might not be what you expect, but don’t let their bold spirit scare you, as that’s part of their brand. C*zzimma is pronounced “cat-SEE-ma” and is meant to convey an unapologetically bold Italian attitude and style. You’ll pick up on that right away as you hold one of their cans in your hand. My delivery of this aperitivo also included a couple of…um, trading cards? Just a bit cheeky if you ask me.
The co-founders of this brand have backgrounds in the New York Michelin-starred dining scene and in branding and marketing. Roberto Longo and Simone Weithers founded the company as both have experience supporting loved ones through addiction. “They’ve created a non-alcoholic aperitivo that hones the joy of connection, without compromise.”
I was bold enough to try their Secco and Spritz flavors. Either is meant to be sipped straight or mixed into a cocktail. Secco is described as light and refreshing with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus. It delivered as promised as I sipped it over ice. The Spritz contains more orange and bitter herb flavors. This one did not work on its own for me, as I conjured up the taste of aspirin from my childhood. Remember those orange tablets meant to disguise the taste of medicine? That’s just one girl’s opinion, as we all have different taste buds. And clearly, the International Non-Alcoholic Competition doesn’t share my taste buds, as they awarded Spritz, the Italian RTD of the year, and Double Gold in 2025.
I followed along and created their recommended cocktail, La Dolce Vita. This turned out to be a refreshingly balanced cocktail with a hint of mint. As found on their website, this drink contains the Spritz aperitivo, fresh lime juice, and pineapple juice, garnished with mint. Is your mouth watering? Yum!
C*zzimma Spritz
- Category: Aperitif
- Place of origin: Italy
- ABV: 0%
- Total sugars: unknown
- Tasting notes: Refreshing bitterness balanced with subtle herbal notes and a hint of apple with a crisp, dry finish.
C*zzimma Secco
- Category: Aperitif
- Place of origin: Italy
- ABV: 0%
- Total sugars: unknown
- Tasting notes: Flavors of a classic Aperol Spritz with a hint of orange.
THE HAPPY TRAVELER: The Artist & Curator, Kim Parsley lives near Seattle, Washington. With an education in Interior Design, her career path has led her to fulfill many roles in the field of interior architecture. Now retired, she leverages her design skills towards the curation of vintage travel bars as well as collecting and selling vintage barware.
Kim is also a contributor to multiple magazines including The Sober Curator. Here she writes reviews and articles for the Happy Every Hour section, including non-alcoholic spirit reviews and recipes contributions.
When not in the studio or traveling, she and her husband spend many weekends off-the-grid hiking and experimenting with new cocktails at their cabin in the woods of the North Cascades.
Welcome to HAPPY EVERY HOUR, your go-to hub for all things NA (non-alcoholic). We review alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink), and share NA cocktail recipes that taste just as good—if not better—than the boozy originals. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just taking a break, this is where great taste meets zero proof.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … #becausedrunkneverlooksgood.
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