The Citrus Aperitif Redefining Fall Flavors

As we teeter on the edge of crisp, fall days, let’s give pumpkin spice a break, shall we? Instead, here’s how to keep a little zing of summer in our lives, even as the leaves start to turn.

So, how do we do that? Bring in the ‘MOMMENPOP’, a citrus aperitif brand that’s female-led and California-born (think the White House after November 4!).

That’s where Sam Sheehan comes in, she’s the creative force behind this all-natural citrus aperitif. We dove into her story of how Mommenpop went from a spritz-inspired idea to a thriving, women-owned business that’s redefining the aperitif game.

P.S. Let me tell you, it’s not just the flavors that are refreshing—it’s Sam’s entire approach to making and enjoying these delicious drinks.

Let’s all get on the same page. What exactly is an ‘aperitif’?

Now, if you’re new to the world of aperitifs, let Sam break it down for you. Aperitifs originated in Europe, and are traditionally enjoyed before dinner to stimulate the appetite. They come in many forms, from aromatized wines like vermouth to herbal liqueurs like amaro.

The Birth of ‘Mommenpop‘

One summer, as Sam sipped spritz after spritz (girl, same), she found herself longing for something less sugary, less artificial, and more reflective of the amazing local fruits Northern California has to offer. With her winemaking background, she knew she could craft something that was not only more to her taste, but also unique—a drink that was bright, citrusy, and incredibly easy to enjoy. The inspiration struck when she was gifted a case of Seville oranges by her neighbor. Instead of letting those oranges go to waste, she decided to put her winemaking skills to the test by adding the whole fruit—peel, flesh, and all—along with some botanicals, to a barrel of Chardonnay (a lady after my own heart). The result? The very first batch of Mommenpop, a citrus aperitif that captured the essence of those vibrant oranges.

That’s what makes Mommenpop stands out on the market as a citrus aperitif that’s made from wine — they use whole, fresh citrus sourced directly from local, certified organic farmers.

Drink Break 1

In the name of education, journalism, and creativity, I had popular New York City Bartender, Ana Paula Moraes, taste each Mommenpop flavor and create a drink with it. The first: Mommenpop Blood Orange.

Moraes says the peppery and floral notes in the aperitif inspired her to riff off of a Negroni that could bridge the seasons, with bright, fresh notes balanced by a warm, autumnal vibe. The result: Amber Sunset

Directions: Combine all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, stir for about 15 seconds, the strain and pour into a rocks glass with a big cube. Finish with a blood orange expression to release oils on top and then add twist.

The MOMMENPOP Name and Legacy

If you’ve ever wondered where the name “Mommenpop” comes from, it’s a nod to the partnership between Sam and her husband, Michael. While Sam handles the winemaking, Michael is the man behind the colorful labels that grace each bottle. The name itself embodies the idea of a “mom and pop” operation, a small business rooted in passion, creativity, and a love for sharing something special with family and friends.

Fresh Citrus vs. Dehydrated Citrus: Why It Matters

One of the things that makes MOMMENPOP truly special is its commitment to using fresh citrus rather than the dehydrated versions you might find in other aperitifs. As Sam explained, fresh citrus brings out a naturally vibrant, juicy, and tangy quality that’s not quite attainable with dried fruit. This choice not only enhances the flavor but also eliminates the need for any artificial additives or added sugars, making each sip as refreshing as possible.

Drink Break 2

Enter: Mommenpop Ruby Grapefruit. The Result: Mamma’s Special Sour

Direction: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and give everything a hard shake without ice for approximately 20 seconds. Then add ice and shake it all again for another 20 seconds. Double strain in a coup glass and finish with a lemon expression from the twist on top. Serve with a dried/dehydrated grapefruit garnish. Author’s note: This drink will make all Mommas, Pappas, friends, and family very happy.

A New Look, Same Great Taste

With its increasing popularity, Mommenpop recently underwent a packaging refresh to better capture the essence of the brand. The new labels are designed to be bright, eye-catching, and to showcase the fresh citrus that goes into every bottle. As Mommenpop expands into major retailers like Whole Foods and Total Wine & more, Sam is hoping this refreshed look will further help the brand stand out and communicate its commitment to quality, organic ingredients, and its California roots.

Looking Ahead

As we chatted about the future, Sam shared her vision for Mommenpop. By 2025 and beyond, she hopes to continue growing the brand’s presence in retail and restaurants, hosting events that introduce more people to the joys of a Mommenpop spritz, and expanding distribution in key markets. And with such a strong foundation rooted in quality, community, and a passion for fresh, natural flavors, the future certainly looks bright.

Whether you’re a seasoned aperitif aficionado or just dipping your toes into the world of citrusy sips, Mommenpop offers a fresh, flavorful, and all-natural way to enjoy the changing seasons, one glass at a time. Cheers to that!

Well, we need a drink to cheers….

Enter: Mommenpop Seville Orange. The result: Pop’s Orange Spritz

Combine all ingredients in a wine glass with ice, stir to mix flavors evenly, then finish with a fresh orange slice as a garnish. Enjoy!

Follow writer and producer @emilydeciccio on Twitter for her latest articles and content.