Liqueurs & Aperitifs

Campari Aperitivo — Milan, Italy 48 Proof

Campari is one of the world's most iconic spirits — the aperitif par excellence, born in Milan in 1860 from the experiments of Gaspare Campari and unchanged for over 150 years. The recipe is one of the most closely guarded secrets in the drinks world: a precise infusion of herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit in alcohol and water, with the exact number of ingredients debated by enthusiasts — some say 20, others 60, others still 80. What is certain is that no one has ever replicated it. Campari's unmistakable ruby-red color, bittersweet complexity, and aromatic intensity have made it the foundation of some of the world's greatest cocktails — the Negroni, the Campari Spritz, and the Americano among them.

The nose is intensely aromatic: bitter orange peel, cherry, rhubarb, and a complex herbal bouquet of roots, spices, and botanicals. On the palate, it is boldly bittersweet — a wave of citrus peel and cherry up front, followed by layers of herbal complexity, a touch of vanilla, and a long, pleasantly bitter finish that lingers and invites the next sip. Unmistakable. Irreplaceable.

"A unique and unmistakable recipe, kept the same since its inception — the inimitable Campari, the aperitif par excellence for over 150 years." — Campari

• Producer: Campari Group, Milan, Italy
• Style: Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur
• ABV: 24% (48 Proof)
• Size: 750ml
• Recipe: Secret infusion of herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit — unchanged since 1860
• Tasting Notes: Bitter orange, cherry, rhubarb, herbal roots, spice, vanilla, long bitter finish
• Serve: Negroni, Campari Spritz, Americano, or on the rocks with soda and orange
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, olives, bruschetta, fried appetizers, light pasta, risotto

The original Italian bitter — Campari is irreplaceable, unmistakable, and the 750ml is the essential bottle for every home bar.

Carpano Antica Formula — Turin, Italy NV

Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented modern vermouth in Turin in 1786, and Antica Formula is the direct heir to that legacy. Hailed as the “King of Vermouth” by master mixologists worldwide, this legendary sweet red vermouth is crafted from a secret recipe of selected wines, herbs, spices, and botanicals that has remained essentially unchanged for nearly 250 years. It is the most recommended vermouth for Manhattans and Negronis — and for good reason. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 95 points.

The nose offers a strong bouquet of vanilla with spice, citrus, and subtle notes of almonds, raisins, and cloves. On the palate, it is rich and well-rounded — vanilla, licorice, herbs, figs, and cocoa layered with depth and complexity. The finish delivers bitter orange and date notes with a subtle hint of cocoa beans and saffron. Rich, fruity, and endlessly enticing.

🇮🇹 Wine Enthusiast 95 — “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.”

• Producer: Carpano, Turin, Piedmont, Italy
• Founded: 1786
• Style: Sweet Red Vermouth
• ABV: 16.5%
• Size: 1.0L
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, spice, citrus, almonds, raisins, cloves, licorice, fig, cocoa, bitter orange, saffron
• Best In: Manhattan, Negroni, Boulevardier, Americano, or neat over ice

The vermouth that invented the category — Carpano Antica Formula is the non-negotiable choice for any serious cocktail program or aperitivo hour.

Producer Notes

One of life's most pleasurable indulgences, Baileys Original Irish Cream is the sweetest meeting of fine Irish whiskey and spirits, Irish dairy cream, and rich chocolate and vanilla flavors. The result? Complete deliciousness. Drink neat over ice, shake into cocktails, drizzle over ice-cream, bake a Baileys-tastic cake – perhaps even share it if you have to – Baileys Original Irish Cream equals pure, unadulterated pleasure. Go on, you know you want to!

Lucano Anniversario Cordial Caffè Liqueur — Basilicata, Italy | 750ml

Lucano is one of Southern Italy’s most storied spirits producers, founded in 1894 in Pisticci, Basilicata, and best known for their iconic amaro. Their Anniversario Cordial Caffè is a celebration of Italian espresso culture — a coffee liqueur built around the finest blended coffee, crafted to capture the depth, intensity, and richness of a perfectly pulled Italian espresso. With hints of cocoa and vanilla woven through a bold coffee core, it is a step above the average coffee liqueur — more complex, more authentic, and deeply satisfying.

The nose is rich and inviting: roasted espresso, dark cocoa, and a warm whisper of vanilla. On the palate, the liqueur is smooth and full, with genuine coffee intensity — bittersweet, with chocolate undertones and a long, lightly sweet finish. It is best enjoyed chilled as an after-dinner digestivo, drizzled over vanilla gelato, or as the base of an Espresso Martini that actually tastes like coffee.

“Caffè Lucano is the combination of the finest coffee blends and embodies the intensity of real Italian espresso with hints of cocoa and vanilla. Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature — the perfect after-dinner drink.” — Lucano

• Producer: Lucano, Pisticci, Basilicata, Italy (est. 1894)
• Style: Cordial Caffè — Coffee Liqueur
• Origin: Basilicata, Southern Italy
• Size: 750ml
• Flavor: Roasted espresso, dark cocoa, vanilla, bittersweet finish
• Best Used In / Paired With: Espresso Martini, Lucano Caffè on the rocks, drizzled over gelato or panna cotta, alongside tiramisù or dark chocolate

Southern Italy’s finest coffee liqueur — Lucano Anniversario Caffè delivers genuine espresso intensity, cocoa depth, and over 130 years of Italian spirits tradition in every bottle.

Carpano Dry Vermouth — Turin, Italy | 18% ABV

Carpano Dry Vermouth is the dry expression from the house that invented vermouth — and it brings the same centuries of Turin craftsmanship that made Antica Formula legendary to the world of dry. Established in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, the house revolutionized the category with its commitment to high-quality ingredients and precise botanical production. The Dry is a natural extension of that heritage: light-bodied, aromatic, and built for the cocktail canon, delivering a delicate sophistication that elevates every drink it touches.

The nose is elegant and inviting: chamomile, fresh citrus, and delicate floral undertones with aromatic botanical complexity. On the palate, it is crisp and dry — a sophisticated balance of herbal notes and dry spices, underpinned by refreshing acidity and a clean, lingering botanical finish. The ideal dry vermouth for a classic Martini, Gibson, or Vesper — and equally compelling served chilled with a lemon twist as a standalone aperitif.

“For over 235 years, Carpano has been synonymous with quality and innovation in Italian vermouth production. The Dry brings that same heritage to the world of crisp, aromatic dry vermouth.”

• Producer: Carpano Distillery, Turin, Piedmont, Italy (est. 1786)
• Style: Dry Vermouth
• ABV: 18%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Chamomile, citrus, floral undertones, herbal spice, refreshing acidity, clean dry finish
• Best Served: In a classic Martini, Gibson, Vesper, or Negroni variation — or chilled with a lemon twist as an aperitif
• Food Pairings: Olives, seafood, light charcuterie, soft cheeses, Mediterranean appetizers
• Storage: Refrigerate after opening

Crisp, aromatic, and rooted in 235 years of Turin tradition — Carpano Dry is the benchmark for what Italian dry vermouth can be.

Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth — Turin, Italy | 16.5% ABV | Half Bottle 375ml

Carpano Antica Formula is the original sweet vermouth — and arguably the most important bottle in the history of the cocktail. Created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin in 1786, this is the vermouth that started it all: the ancient formula that defined the category, inspired generations of bartenders, and remains the gold standard for sweet vermouth to this day. Produced from the Carpano Distillery’s original 18th-century recipe, bottled in a faithful reproduction of the original label and bottle with traditional cork and red wax seal, Antica Formula is as much a piece of history as it is a drink. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 95 points.

The nose is rich, fruity, and deeply enticing: fig, dried cherries, faint spiced gingerbread, and bitter orange peel, all warmed by a signature hint of vanilla that sets Antica Formula apart from every other sweet vermouth on the market. On the palate, it is lush and complex — drinkable solo over ice as an aperitif, or as the non-negotiable ingredient in a proper Negroni or Manhattan. The 375ml half bottle is the perfect format for home bartenders who want the real thing without committing to a full bottle.

Wine Enthusiast 95 — “Rich, fruity and enticing… 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.”

• Producer: Carpano Distillery, Turin, Piedmont, Italy
• Style: Sweet (Red) Vermouth — Antica Formula (Ancient Recipe, est. 1786)
• ABV: 16.5%
• Format: Half Bottle — 375ml
• Tasting Notes: Fig, dried cherry, vanilla, spiced gingerbread, bitter orange peel, lush and complex finish
• Best Served: Over ice as an aperitif, or in a Negroni, Manhattan, Boulevardier, or Americano
• Food Pairings: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, antipasto
• Storage: Refrigerate after opening

The original, the benchmark, the one that started it all — Carpano Antica Formula is the non-negotiable sweet vermouth for anyone who takes their cocktails seriously.

Winemaker Description

Byrrh Grand Quinquina is made to the original late-19th century recipe that earned worldwide fame and inspired fifty years of evocative poster art. Byrrh combines a generous, port-like wine and mistelle base with a firm backbone of natural quinine to produce a fruity, refreshing aperitif.

By itself, with tonic and a twist, or paired with blue cheese. In cocktails, Byrrh mixes well with vodka, gin, tequila, Irish whiskey, and grapefruit. Byrrh is produced in Thuir, in the heart of French Catalan territory, near the coast and border with Spain. 

Expert Review

93 Points Wine Enthusiast | Concentrated dark fruit leads the nose and palate on this garnet-hued aperitif wine infused with quinine. Complex, rich stewed fruit notes suggest cherry pie and Port brushed with vanilla, finishing long with drying hints of plum skin, sage and dried oregano plus a hint of espresso-like bitterness.  Best Buy