Italian Spirits

Producer Description 

The name says it all: Aperol is the perfect aperitif. Bright orange in color, it has a unique taste, thanks to the secret recipe, which has never been changed, with infusions of selected ingredients including bitter and sweet oranges and many other herbs and roots in perfect proportions. 

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Sophisticated and delightful aromas of tangerine and rhubarb. The palate entry is delightfully citrusy and sweet; the midpalate phase offers just enough herbal bitterness to balance. Ends up refreshing, orangey sweet and delectably herbal. This deserves to become a popular pre-dinner quaff.

Producer Description 

A unique and unmistakable recipe has characterized Campari, the aperitif par excellence, for over 150 years.The inimitable Campari recipe, used as the basis of many cocktails served worldwide, has been kept the same since its inception and remained a closely guarded secret, passed down over the years.Campari was the result of Gaspare Campari’s experiments in concocting new beverages. 

It is still produced today with the same ingredients and following the confidential recipe which remains a secret known only to the very few people in charge of the production process.

Campari is the result of the infusion of herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water; these last two being the recipe‟s only known ingredients. Many have guessed simply at the number of ingredients: some say there are 20 or 60, but others list the ingredients at 80.

Producer Description 

A unique and unmistakable recipe has characterized Campari, the aperitif par excellence, for over 150 years.

The inimitable Campari recipe, used as the basis of many cocktails served worldwide, has been kept the same since its inception and remained a closely guarded secret, passed down over the years.

Campari was the result of Gaspare Campari’s experiments in concocting new beverages. It is still produced today with the same ingredients and following the confidential recipe which remains a secret known only to the very few people in charge of the production process.

Campari is an alcoholic spirit obtained from the infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water. Many have tried to guess the number of ingredients: some say there are 20 or 60, but others list the ingredients at 80. To this day, alcohol and water are the only known ingredients of its special and secret recipe. Its vibrant red color, intense aroma and distinctive bitter taste make it extremely versatile, and the perfect base for some of the most famous cocktails around the world. 

Producer Description 

Carpano Antica Formula is hailed as the "King of Vermouth" by master mixologists and was created by the inventor of modern vermouth. Enhance any cocktail with rich, dark notes of licorice, herbs, figs, cocoa and sweet cinnamon. The most recommended vermouth for Manhattans and Negronis.

The nose has a strong bouquet of vanilla with spice, citrus and subtle notes of almonds, raisins and cloves. The palate is well rounded with a rich vanilla taste. The finish has bitter orange and date notes with a subtle hint of cocoa beans and saffron.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Rich, fruity and enticing, this sweet vermouth is warmed with notes of fig and dried cherries, and just faint hints of spiced gingerbread and bitter orange peel. Drinkable solo as an aperitif, or use it as a cocktail-mixing favorite.

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Producer Description

Its orange is unmistakable, a vibrant color that lights up your toasts and adds extra joy to the moment. Everything else is brought to the table by the inner lighthearted spirit of Aperol Spritz: the same spirit that spontaneously gather people together and sparks nothing but good vibes.

This spirit is also contagious: it's difficult to hold back from enjoying a toast with friends, one orange sip at the time. Perfect matches with food. Your aperitif moment just turns into perfection when enjoying your Aperol Spritz with some snacks and appetizers that effortlessly match.

The aperifit ritual born in Veneto sees the Aperol Spritz served with some traditional snacks called ''cicchetti'', small dishes that usually include tiny sandwiches, plates of olives and tiny portions of local dishes. Although, throughout the years Aperol Spritz became a versatile drink suitable to different type of food and moments, from a quick toast after a long day to those relaxed brunches we'd all love to have on a Sunday morning.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points |  Among the canon of Italian spirits, Aperol and the Aperol Spritz cocktail are classics, available at a growing range of America's best bars. The lurid red hue is recognizable from across the room. It's light on every count-in terms of alcohol content, sweetness level and texture. The gentle sweet-bitter profile goes down easy-especially when lightened with bubbles.

Winemaker Description

MARTINI Extra Dry vermouth was launched, with great international success, on New Year's Day in 1900. The Company had been experimenting with the production of dry vermouth since 1890 in some foreign countries, such as Cuba, in order to compete with the French "sec" vermouth. A straw colored vermouth with a sharper perfume, it reveals raspberry, lemon and the subtler hints of iris. This aromatic wine is dry without being bitter, with a white wine base it allows the aromas to come alive in the glass. 

Producer Description 

Campari is a contemporary and charismatic classic that has remained unchanged throughout the years to the original formula. The creation of Campari was the result of the talent of Gaspare Campari, master drink maker and founder of the company. His experiments in concocting new beverages in Novara, in 1860, resulted in a recipe that still today remains a secret known only to the very few people in charge of the production process. 

Campari is an alcoholic spirit obtained from the infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water. Many have tried to guess the number of ingredients: some say there are 20 or 60, but others list the ingredients at 80. To this day, alcohol and water are the only known ingredients of its special and secret recipe. Its vibrant red colour, intense aroma and distinctive bitter taste make it extremely versatile, and the perfect base for some of the most famous cocktails around the world. 

Producer Description 

At its heart is wine blended with rich Italian herbs: Artemisia, Summer Savory and Dittany balanced with exotic bitter-sweet woods. Its complex and alluring taste has made MARTINI Rosso the key ingredient for several iconic cocktails such as the Negroni or Manhattan. 

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Cola hue. Sensuous nose features ginger, prunes, sap and bark aromas. In the mouth, its supple, sweet, winey and almost Sherry-like at entry, then at midpalate citrus and grape flavors appear. Finishes luscious and semisweet.

Expert Review

96 Wine Enthusiast | Tawny and bright in the glass, this mellow, bittersweet beauty offers caramel and vanilla, braced by allspice and bitter orange. Although Nonino is best known for its grappas, this amaro, flavored with herbs from the mountains of Friuli, is worth seeking out. Consider it for dessert pairings or an edgy spin on a negroni.

Producer Description 

Born in Friuli, borderland, crossroads of several populations and manifold influences, Roman, Arabian, Celtic, Venetian and Slavic; Amaro Nonino Quintessentia® is the result of the Nonino alchemic art, enriched by important cultural contaminations and great knowledge of botanical varieties also coming from far and exotic lands. 

The name Quintessentia® was chosen to celebrate the alchemic achievement of the purest essence in the generation passage of the family recipe. The cup that stands at the top and center of the label is the Bowl of Hygeia a way to honor the origin of Amaro, historically born as a medicinal remedy.

Producer Description 

A first sip to taste the bitter notes of Colombo, Aloe, and the unmistakable tang of Gentian. A second small sip will reveal the spicy notes of Zedoary and the full-bodied flavor of Chamomile. With the final sip, the liqueur unveils its full repertoire of flavors: the overall effect is bitter, but a delicately spicy aftertaste lingers—the flavor of Myrrh.

Fernet-Branca is the world’s leading Italian amaro with a uniquely bitter herbal flavor profile. The distinctly bitter taste is beloved by bartenders worldwide, earning Fernet Branca the nickname ‘the bartender’s handshake.’

Today, only one person in the world knows the secretly guarded recipe. The complex bitter profile makes Fernet-Branca the perfect bitter herbal modifier for any cocktail.

Fernet-Branca is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a straightforward experience, try it neat in a shot glass accompanied by your favorite beer. Alternatively, you can savor it on the rocks, blended with ice and soda, mixed with tonic water, or paired with ginger ale. Additionally, it serves as an excellent ingredient in a wide variety of cocktails. 

Winemaker Description 

A semi-sweet aperitif with a bouquet of fresh wild herbs, citrus and cinnamon and clove spices. Can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: on the rocks, with juice or soda water, or as an ingredient in numerous cocktails. 

Make sure to chill before serving! 

Winemaker Description

The velvety smooth taste and unmistakable aroma gave Disaronno the reputation of the world’s favorite Italian liqueur, which is stated proudly on its label.

Expert Review

Tasting Panel 95 Points | On the heels of intense aromas of marzipan and honeyed peach follows one of the silkiest mouthfeels imaginable, with a weighty caress of cocoa and almond on the palate that lingers until the next sip.

Producer Description 

A lemon hued liqueur with an alluring bouquet. Generously imbued with the aroma of zesty freshly squeezed lemons, it has a refreshing lemon flavour, with a satiny smooth texture more reminiscent of a spirit than a liqueur. 

Expert Review 

The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Rich, fruity and enticing, this sweet vermouth is warmed with notes of fig and dried cherries, and just faint hints of spiced gingerbread and bitter orange peel. Drinkable solo as an apéritif, or use it as a cocktail-mixing favorite. 

Producer Description 

Made using white wines from various Italian grape varieties from the Romagna, Puglia and Sicily regions, processed within 24 hours of receiving to prevent oxidation. The numerous aromatic plants that go into the recipe of Antica Formula are extracted by hot infusion or cold extraction. The process is extremely precise and lengthy (some of the botanical ingredients require months of processing). Once the various plants and herbs have been put together, they undergo a refining stage which can last for several months. This is so that they can blend together properly and release all their fragrance and aromatic intensity. 

Antica Formula stands out thanks to its unique bouquet and its unmistakable notes of the best quality vanilla from the tropical regions of Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Tahiti. In fact, only the beans produced by the plant, and no other derivatives, are used in the recipe. Vanilla was known in Aztec times and has appetite-stimulating and digestive properties.The saffron used in Antica Formula is of a very high quality and comes mainly from the plateau areas in Iran. Wormwood, vermouth's essential ingredient, is gathered exclusively from the Alps of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. 

It has a strong bouquet of vanilla with spicy, citrusy and dried fruit notes of almond, raisins and cloves. The palate has a well-rounded, rich vanilla taste that picks up the aromas from the nose. Combines well with the bitter orange, dates, cocoa beans and saffron flavours. Delectable solo as a digestif, or use it as a central ingredient in a cocktail.

Makes for a delicious, definitive Manhattan!

Producer Description 

Frangelico is a delicious hazelnut liqueur distilled from hazelnuts grown in Piedmont, Italy and blended with coffee, cocoa, and vanilla extracts. Frangelico is surprisingly light and extremely versatile, Ideal consumed on the rocks, as a shot, in your coffee, or an espresso martini. 

Producer Description 

MARCONI 42 is an Italian gin obtained from an infusion that recalls the light, heat and intense aroma that characterize the Italian Mediterranean scrub. Juniper berries, Rosemary, Mint, Basil and Thyme give a fragrant aroma of herbs and medicinal plants.

Transparent crystalline Colour. Intense juniper, fresh and herbal fragrant; recalls a bouquet of aromatic plants rubbed through the hands. Smooth and mild. 

Expert Review 

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | PoBerry-hued and bright, this is a champ for cocktail mixing and pleasing to sip straight. Red fruit leads the nose and palate, suggesting juicy raspberry and ripe cherry, enlivened by a hint of rosewater and finishing slightly drying and mildly bitter. Think of this as a refreshing alternative to sweet vermouth. Top 100 Spirits 2019

Producer Description 

Flavorful, refreshing all-purpose aperitif of Piemonte, Italy Brachetto d’Acqui wine base; notes of white rose and berry Americano: gentian bitterness balanced with quinine and citrus Mix with club soda or sparkling wine; slice of lemon or grapefruit Adds depth to stirred whiskey cocktails, shines in sour cocktails Great with salty snacks and cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Producer Description 

Sweet, strong liqueur whose base consists of essential oils extracted through steam distillation of star anise seed. To this is added a concentrated solution of sugar and other natural secret ingredients.

Expert Review 

95 Points Tasting Panel | On the heels of intense aromas of marzipan and honeyed peach follows one of the silkiest mouthfeels imaginable, with a weighty caress of cocoa and almond on the palate that lingers until the next sip.

Producer Description 

The velvety smooth taste and unmistakable aroma gave Disaronno the reputation of the world’s favorite Italian liqueur, which is stated proudly on its label. 

Producer 

Since its creation in Padova, Italy in 1919, Aperol is the quintessential aperitif and is the irreplaceable ingredient for the preparation of the original Aperol Spritz. With its brilliant orange glow, delightful bubbles and effortless charm, the Aperol Spritz elevates the daytime drinking occasion.

Winemaker Description 

Pale straw color. Sweet aromas of ripe grapes, pine needles, and spearmint. Sweet for an 'extra dry'. Grapy flavors. Good for mixing.

Cocchi Americano is an aromatized wine created in 1891 by Giulio Cocchi, and since then produced without interruption according to the original recipe. The name "Americano" is both due to the alcohol made bitter ("amaricato") by the addition of herbs and spices, and to the American habit of drinking vermouth with ice and soda.

In Cocchi Americano Rosa, the Brachetto d'Acqui wine base provides the white rose and rich berry notes typical of the famous sparkling wine of the same variety, while the addition of rose and ginger to the traditional bitter base provides a rounder profile. Just add club soda or sparkling wine, or add a splash to a Paloma. Producer Description.

Producer Description

Luxardo Amaro Abano originated in 1952. Amaro means “bitter,” and Abano is an old Roman spa in the Veneto region that has been active for the last 500 years. The label depicts the spa around the year 1600. The herbs in this amaro grow wild and are infused along with cardamom, cinnamon and bitter orange peel. Luxardo Amaro Abano is a medium bitter, extremely popular in Italy, and especially in the Veneto region, drunk straight after a meal with or without ice to help digestion. Producer Description.

Expert Review

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Take a cue from the deep, dark-brown hue and viscous texture: This is a palate-coating liqueur with deep, dark flavors of espresso, bitter chocolate, dark gingerbread, toffee and dried fig, cut with a mild bitter-orange note and cardamom spice. Best Buy.

Producer Description 

Nowhere encapsulates the spirit of Italy quite like the Amalfi Coast. In this stylish, sun-soaked enclave, life moves at a different pace... Inspired by this Amalfi lifestyle, MALFY Gin embodies its essence and invites you to live 'La Dolce Vita' as a true Italian.

Expert Review

94 Points Tasting Panel | At 46 proof, Montenegro has become one of the leading amari and is extremely popular with mixologists. The sarsaparilla nose is iconic, the palate and experience of bitters and sweets, intertwined with twists and turns, from chocolate to root vegetable to orange zest.

Producer Description 

Soft and silky mouthfeel with a satisfying balance between sweet and bitter notes. Its well- balanced sweetness merges with the other ingredients, fading in a pleasantly bitter finish. Citrus entry with a high level of complexity. Sweet and bitter oranges leave room for motes of lime and mandarin. The herbaceous aroma of marjoram and thyme is gently overcome by spiced, basalmic blends of incense and eucalyptus. Complex roasted notes complete an elegant finish reminiscent of undergrowth and mineral tones. Amber-colored and bright with delicate mahogany transparencies on the outer edges. 

Producer Description 

In memory of grandfather Antonio we celebrate the Return to the Origins with Amaro Nonino Quintessentia by creating a RISERVA which boasts more than 24 months of natural ageing in oak barriques and small casks.

Antonio Nonino, third generation of the family of Distillers, used to keep Amaro Carnia in small wooden casks. Steel was prohibitive. The infusion in contact with wood evolved and was enriched with new notes and new aromas.

Although there is no clear regulation on the aging of liqueurs, in respect of the philosophy that has always accompanied us, aging takes place in a dedicated cellar, under seal and permanent surveillance by the Customs and Monopoly Office: the result is extraordinary!

With great softness, the citrous notes are lessened and it gains great elegance declined in different and enveloping notes. At the beginning autumnal brushwood and moss fragrances that leave way to scents of raisins and passito. Balsamic scents that balance the bitter notes of rhubarb, scent of flamed orange and caramelized vanilla, great persistence and intensity. 

Winemaker Description 

Sarpa, the bridge between the past and the future. This Grappa was conceived in 1983, but it took a few years to see the light of day. The goal was clear in my mind: a Grappa to encase the aromas of Tradition, but without the typical flaws of old fashion Grappas, often stingy, aggressive and oily. It had to be an authentic Grappa, sincere and genuine, what one would now call a classic Grappa.

Moreover, it was meant to be a bridge between the Grappa of the past and the Grappa of the future, representing the present of Grappa with its best typical features. It took some time to figure out which vines to use and after various trials I turned to the timeless Bordeaux blend, that mix of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that gave rise to the best wines in the world, the Bordeaux wines.

These vines have successfully been grown in the Veneto region for a long time and it seemed just natural to use them to try to produce a symbolic Grappa, the Grappa that should have embodied years of experience and passion. 

Sarpa di Poli has a robust, almost rustic character, with pleasantly grassy scents that remind of freshly cut grass, an aroma of wine and red flowers like geranium, rose and violet that make it a timeless classic.

Producer Description 

MARTINI & ROSSI Fiero Vermouth is red vermouth with a refreshingly bold taste. Made with 100% natural color and flavor, MARTINI & ROSSI Fiero is a low-ABV drink with notes of hand-cut Spanish orange peels from Murcia, Spain. You can enjoy this sweet red vermouth as an aperitif, or create flavorful mixed drinks like a Fiero and tonic water or Fiero and sparkling wine. Please Drink Responsibly.

Producer Description 

Cleopatra Oro is a Grappa obtained from very fresh marc, featuring a refinement and bouquet rarely found in a distillate. A brief stay in oak barrels completes the structure. Cleopatra Oro Grappa should be served cool. It has floral, fresh fruit and citrus, honey, and confectionery aromas. This Grappa has a smooth, clean and elegant taste. 

Italicus is lightly citrusy on the nose with hints of rose and lavender. On the palate, fresh tones of ripe citrus fruits are balanced with a light bitter and floral spice before giving way to a complex and long lasting finish. 

Italicus was created by an Italian bartender, Giuseppe Gallo, using a family recipe. It is a take on a Rosolio, an Italian liqueur made with rose petals dating back to the 15th century. Made at a family-owned distillery in Moncalieri, Torino, it begins with bergamot from the Calabrian region and cedro from Sicilia. The two ingredients undergo the sfumatura process – a traditional technique for manually extracting essential oils – before being blended with a neutral Italian spirit. After this, Roman chamomile from Lazio, lavender, gentian, yellow roses and melissa balm from Northern Italy are macerated together for several days before being added.

Producer Description 

Vergnano Liqueur Arancino Organic Blood Orange is made with simple ingredients: Organic wheat alcohol (vodka), organic blood orange juice, organic blood orange peels extract and organic cane sugar.

The blend of organically grown Sicilian oranges (Moro, Sanguinello e Tarocco orange variety) provides a refined, vibrant and yet elegant note to Arancino liqueur. 

Producer Description 

The undisputable leader in the quality grappa market, derived from the distillation of the grape pomace of Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot and Friulano grapes from the Friuli Region.

It is transparent and crystalline in color with pronounced, refreshing aromas. Dry and crisp on the palate, this grappa has a long, clean finish. 

Producer Description 

Tia Maria is a sweet liqueur with a strong coffee character and a complex aromatic structure.

By using cold brew extraction, we can always ensure that our coffee liqueur has a distinct taste thanks to three significant elements: coffee 100% arabica provides the distinctive roasted, full-bodied rich taste, vanilla responsible for the soft and velvety back notes and Jamaican Rum that gives Tia Maria is body, depth and structure.

Producer Description 

It would bring me immense pleasure to disclose to all the recipe of my Amaro Lucano, but truly I cannot, I could not, certainly not! I have sworn an oath of the utmost solemnity, that this recipe be biquethed from father to son, as is fitting for the most precious inheritances. 

What of this marvellous bitters am I permitted to reveal? Allow me to divulge: it contains the essence of more than 30 herbs, a symphony of flavours to which its unique taste - both delicately balanced and invigorating - can be attributed. In this blend you should detect, provided that you possess the full use and benefit of your nose and palate of course, floral notes, a whisper of citrus...among others...I cannot bring myself to disclose anything further!

The recipe resides solely within my mind, where it shall remain. I boast already a remarkable amount of memory - at least a terabyte in my estimation! There is not one word to be found of my recipe in any scroll or manuscript, no Instagram oeuvre can broadcast its secrets - a fact that all food bloggers shall have to swallow! But fret not, foodies and friends, you need not attain the arcane in order to savour the flavour.