When it comes to refreshing, sophisticated drinks, Solbevi has made a name for itself with its premium Limoncello Spritz. This modern take on a classic Italian favourite blends tradition with a contemporary twist, offering a vibrant and effortlessly enjoyable drink. But what inspired the creation of Solbevi, and what makes it one of the hottest drinks of the year?
To find out, we had the chance to interview Stefan Di Benedetto, the visionary behind Solbevi. In this interview, Stefan shares insights into his journey, the branding behind Solbevi, and the process of bringing his unique Limoncello Spritz to life.
Tell us your story about the creation of Solbevi.
It was inspired by my Italian roots and my family’s cherished Limoncello recipe, which led me to create Australia’s first Limoncello Spritz in a can—blending tradition with modern convenience. Before launching Solbevi, I worked in Tier 1 construction for one of Australia’s largest companies while juggling a full university course load. I developed the idea with a best friend during the pandemic, and so it took me 3 years to develop the perfect product and brand.
In August 2023, we launched! I made the leap and left my eight-year career to pursue this passion full-time with no revenue coming into the business. From Day 1, I’ve been deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from sourcing suppliers and collaborating with bar owners, to handling deliveries, selling at events, and pushing the brand forward.
Solbevi uses real lemons and a secret family recipe—can you tell us more about the ingredients and what makes your Solbevi limoncello spritz unique?
Solbevi Limoncello is crafted from a secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations. However, I wanted to create a unique Limoncello and Limoncello Spritz that we had a USP. So for our Limoncello Liqueur bottles, I brought down the ABV to 20% to achieve an ‘easier to drink’ product, which was smoother and slightly sweeter. This was so your average everyday consumer could either drink the product straight, or use it as a cocktail base – which is what we really wanted! The main focus of our Limoncello is for consumers to use it as a base for a Limoncello Spritz (or as we call it, a SOLBEVI Spritz).
What makes our Limoncello Spritz RTD unique is its crisp, fizzy finish—delivering a refreshing and modern take on a classic Italian tradition. I spent 3 years working on the correct balance of alcohol and sweetness, so the product is extremely easy to drink; ‘sessionable’ is the term we like to use! It was strategically developed to be 4.2% ABV in a 250ml can, making it 0.8 Standard Drinks so that people can drink multiple, comfortably (and responsibly of course) – allowing them to really enjoy the product.
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How has the Australian market responded to your limoncello spritz?
Our goal was to bring Limoncello back to life—it’s always been around but often sat quietly on the shelf, mainly purchased by Italians for an after-dinner shot. We wanted to change that by making it more approachable and exciting for the Australian market. Modernising the product, making it trendy so it stands out on the back bar or on the shelf, was the goal. The response has been incredible, especially when it comes to our packaging—people constantly tell us how much they love the design and branding.
When people try the product, the response is even better which puts a big smile on my face! People love the taste and how easy it is to drink. Its refreshing, not too sweet, and simply convenient. Fortunately we have had pretty amazing success in Australia. It’s been great to see Limoncello being enjoyed in a whole new way.
Is there a particular way you'd like people to enjoy your limoncello spritz? We enjoy ours in a big wine glass, with lots of ice, and a slice of lemon.
Our Solbevi Limoncello Spritz RTDs are best served chilled—it's the ultimate summer drink, whether it's actually summer or not. It's like sunshine in a can – hence the name ‘Solbevi’ means "sun drink". Sole = sun and bevi = drink. Perfect for sipping on a warm day, lounging around, or sharing with friends at a gathering. I want it to be the go-to drink for every occasion, whether you're relaxing at home, catching up with friends, or celebrating something special. It’s all about bringing people together and making every moment feel a little more vibrant – just like we did when we were sitting in Italy with our family and friends drinking Limoncello.
Our bottles of the liqueur can be enjoyed in many ways. I personally drink it straight over some ice! But the most popular formula in Australia is equal parts SOLBEVI, Prosecco and Soda Water in a big glass with some ice and mint. But if really want to have some fun, our Limoncello Spritz slushies are a HUGE hit! We will try and push this into venues in NZ.
Solbevi stands out with its sleek, stylish design. How did you develop the branding, and what message do you want it to convey?
People always tell us how much they love the packaging, which is great to hear because we really wanted to do something different from traditional limoncello designs. A lot of them feel a bit old-school, so we wanted Solbevi to feel fresh, modern, and premium—something that stands out on the shelf and makes you excited to try it. But ultimately, the vision and instructions was simple: We want people to look at the packaging and make it feel like they are sitting on the beautiful coast line of Italy, sipping on the favourite drink (a Limoncello Spritz!) in the sun with the family and friends. Pure happiness! Funnily enough, there was a second instruction which is how we started designing, which was 'I want a big A0 Vintage Poster of SOLBEVI in my house. Lets design that first, then work back'. And that’s exactly what we did! And those two posters are available on our website for purchase.
The design reflects what Solbevi is all about: a drink that’s fun, stylish, and made to be shared!
Your limoncello and limoncello spritz have won some impressive awards! What do these recognitions mean for the brand, and what can we expect from Solbevi in the future?
As a startup, winning these awards has been huge for us. It’s incredible to see Solbevi recognized on a global stage, especially knowing we started from a simple idea and a family recipe. It validates all the hard work we’ve put into creating something truly special. More than anything, it gives us the confidence to keep pushing forward and expanding (not only locally, but around the globe!) We’ve got some exciting things in the works—starting with our launch in New Zealand this March 16th! Our goal is to have Solbevi sitting right next to Aperol and Campari in every bar, venue and home around the world, becoming a go-to for any occasion.
With its refreshing citrus flavour and light, bubbly finish, Solvebi Spritz is the kind of drink that fits effortlessly into any occasion. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, sharing a spritz with friends at a music festival, or looking for something easy to enjoy on a warm afternoon, Solbevi brings that perfect balance of flavour and fun.
Ready to try Solbevi for yourself? You can find it at your local Dan Murphy’s or order directly from the Solbevi website. Stay up to date with the latest news and cocktail inspiration by following Solbevi on Instagram.
*Must be legal drinking age in your country of residence to consume. Drink responsibly.
Cheers!
Note: We were kindly sent a sample of Solbevi Spritz to sample in March 2025, however, as always, all opinions in this post are our own.
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