About Italian Spirits

About Italian Spirits
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

Cynar 70 Bitter Liqueur
95 points
$36
A chewy, potent bitter liqueur for Black Manhattans and Last Word riffs.
Awards: 2021 Best Bitter Liqueur
Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
94 points
$27
A delicious, delicate yet complex, coffee liqueur to make cocktails with.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Coffee Liqueur
Enrico Toro Genziana 72 Bitter Liqueur
94 points
$46
A pleasant sipper with zesty citrus that will be the perfect refresher after a heavy meal; a good bitter for people new to the category.
Molinari Extra Sambuca
94 points
$29
A bold anise liqueur with unmistakable Sambuca style.
Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth
93 points
$8
Best Buy
A premium dry Vermouth that can stand alone or play well in cocktails; an excellent example of what you need it to be.
Awards: 2022 Best Vermouth Dry
93 points $8 Best Buy
Cinzano Vermouth Bianco
93 points
$8
Best Buy
Light and herbaceous, yet a touch sweet; try in a classic cocktails that don't need too much of a bitter component.
Awards: 2022 Best Vermouth Blanc
93 points $8 Best Buy
Cynar Bitter Liqueur
93 points
$26
A racy treat to sip after a heavy Italian meal or a perfect addition for a Black Manhattan.
Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur
93 points
$28
A rich and hazelnut forward nut liqueur that is exactly what you want it to be.
Cinzano 1757 Vermouth Di Torino Rosso Sweet
93 points
$29
Perfect in a Manhattan, or great on the rocks with a twist; love this with a Rye or Cognac base.
Galliano Ristretto Coffee Liqueur
93 points
$19
Best Buy
An herbaceous and distinctive coffee liqueur that offers something deliciously different to the coffee or absinthe lover.
93 points $19 Best Buy