About from Italy

About  from Italy
Any discussion of spirits in Italy must begin with grappa, a powerful product distilled from left over grape skins and seeds that is produced all over the country. While the basic grappas can be rough and fiery, there are a handful of firms, especially in the north, that craft refined, artisanal versions that offer more delicate aromas and subtle flavors. Often packaged in strikingly-designed glass and crystal bottles, many of these dazzling products have now taken their rightful place alongside designer spirits at glamorous bars in London, Paris, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Amaro, a digestif, is a popular liqueur, made everywhere in Italy; each version is produced from a special recipe of herbs and spices. These tend to be dry, with some being slightly bitter. Finally, two other Italian spirits that have become quite popular in America include Amaretto, a sweet liqueur made from almonds, and Sambuca, a dry spirit made from anise seed.

Top Picks for Italy

Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
94 points
$29
A fantastically decadent sweet vermouth with just enough bittersweet tension to keep it exceptionally balanced and ferociously delicious - would make a stellar Rye Manhattan or a bottled wine cocktail by simply being served on the rocks.
Awards: 2025 Best Aperitif
Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth
92 points
$14
Best Buy
Sweet and sassy, with lots of expressive dried red fruit notes that almost make this more enjoyable on its own, but don't let the Bourbon get off that easy, it would still be wonderful in a Manhattan.
92 points $14 Best Buy
Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth
89 points
$14
Best Buy
A solid everyday Italian Vermouth for Martinis and of quality to serve by itself or in a spritz as an aperitif.
89 points $14 Best Buy
Del Professore Vermouth Di Torino Rosso Sweet
87 points
$33
There is a lovely aroma and flavor, and this leans a bit more bitter and spicier than other sweet Vermouths on the American market.