Amaro & Bitter Liqueurs

A bitter liqueur balances bitter botanicals such as gentian, cinchona bark, wormwood or citrus peel with sugar and a spirit base. Styles run from bright aperitivo bottles like Campari to dark, herbal amari like Averna Amaro. Most are sipped neat, poured over ice, lengthened with soda, or used in cocktails such as the Negroni.

Aperitivo liqueurs are lighter and brighter, and they are usually served before a meal, often lengthened with soda or prosecco. Aperol Orange Aperitivo is the classic example. Amaro tends to be darker, more herbal and fuller in body, and is usually sipped after dinner. Amaro Montenegro and Averna are two easy starting points.

Soda water, tonic and prosecco are the easiest partners, along with gin and sweet vermouth in stirred drinks. Try Aperol Orange Aperitivo with prosecco and soda, Cynar Artichoke Liqueur with tonic and a lemon wedge, or Fernet Branca Liqueur with ginger ale for a sharp, refreshing highball.

Campari is the standard choice and gives the Negroni its deep red color and firm bitterness. For a softer, more herbal version, try Select Aperitivo, the Venetian bitter often used in spritzes. Keep the classic ratio of equal parts gin, bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth, stirred and served over ice with an orange peel.