Even the most inept drinker will know what spirits are from Mexico, Jamaica, Russia, Russia or the US. But how about Italy, a long-standing bastion of gastronomy? It is home to some of the most sought-after spirits, liqueurs, and wines.
Summer (also known as “Spritz season”) is in full swing. Summer (also known as “Spritz season”) is in full swing, so it’s time for you to stock up on the finest booze. These are the top choices of industry experts for the best Italian spirits and liqueurs.
Cynar is the overall winner
It’s impossible to overstate the variety of Italian spirits and liquors. But Cynar is the only bottle that embodies all the essential characteristics of Italian spirit and liqueurs–versatility and the balance between sweet-bitter and the utilization of unique botanicals. Cynar is a luscious liqueur that features artichoke as the label. This is because artichoke is one 13-horse and plant combination that makes Cynar unique. It can be used as an aperitif or digestive and a cocktail ingredient.
Best for a Spritz: Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
We’ve all had our fair share of Aperol Spitzes by this point. Why not? They are delicious and very programmable. Try a Spritz with Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto to take your Spritz game up a notch. Italicus, a rosalia, is an Italian liqueur first introduced in 2016. Italicus is an old style of liqueur made from rose petals. This spritz can be completed by adding zest from the lime-like Bergamot fruit. Italicus’ roots can be traced back to Calabria, the country province home to Italy’s boot. Italicus has beautiful bitter grapefruit flavors that will go well with chilled prosecco.
Best Aperitivo: Cocchi Americano
Aperitivo is the drink that stimulates your appetite before a delicious meal. It should be light, refreshing, flavorful, and not too heavy. Cocchi Americano is a low-ABV aperitif from Asti that has served this purpose admirably since it was introduced in 1891.
Cocchi Americano’s Moscato wine base and quinine tang (derived from infusion with cinchona Bark, citrus peel, and other botanicals) make it a great chilled drink. However, you can also enjoy it with a splash of soda and an orange peel over ice. You can pour it into a glass of dry sparkling wine or a Franciacorta from Italy’s Lombardy for special occasions.
It’s important to know: Cocchi Americano is an essential ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Vesper or the Corpse Reviver No. 2. It’s believed to have the same flavor profile as the discontinued Kina Lillet, which appears in both recipes.
Best Digestivo: Liquore Strega
Giving up on the “after-dinner” category (French, digestif, Italian, digestive / American, antacid). These bitter, big-colored liqueurs smell almost like they are about to remove tartar from your teeth as you swirl them around. There are lighter options in digestive, including Liquore Strega.
Strega, a herbal liqueur, hails from Benevento, just outside Naples. It is based on a 150-year-old recipe and contains up to 70 botanicals. The main ingredient is saffron which gives Strega its distinctive yellow color. Strega, the Italian word for “witch”, is fascinating. But you can make your morning coffee even more magical with this intoxicant.
Best Amaro: Montenegro Amaro
An amaro is an Italian herbal liquor that contains flavors made from herbs, flowers, roots and citrus peels. While a good maro will always have a distinctive bitterness (the word “amaro” means “bitter”), they can also be very varied with different levels of sweetness, texture and mouthfeel. Montenegro, an iconic amaro, has clove, coriander, and nutmeg notes. Danny Natali, a bartender at Ronan Los Angeles, says that Montenegro is his favorite amaro because of its versatility. “Because it has a dominant orange flavor and high viscosity, it is often used in my margarita recipes.” Montenegro can also be substituted for Nonino in my modern classic, The Paper Plane.