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

Bepi Tosolini Amaro Liqueur
95 points
$32
Savory, earthy, vegetal, and complexly delicious; this is excellent night cap material.
Regal Rogue Lively White Dry Vermouth
95 points
$19
Best Buy
Sweet citrus and jasmine tea lead on the nose; this would make an excellent white Negroni or is well-suited to stand alone.
95 points $19 Best Buy
Cynar 70 Bitter Liqueur
95 points
$36
A chewy, potent bitter liqueur for Black Manhattans and Last Word riffs.
Awards: 2021 Best Bitter Liqueur
Averna Amaro Siciliano Liqueur
94 points
$32
An absolutely lovely marriage of a little bit bitter, a bit sweet; the higher sugar and approachable flavors of vanilla, orange, chocolate, and mint make this more approachable for people starting their Amaro journey.
Del Professore Vermouth Sweet
94 points
$33
Excellent balance of sweet and bitter with some vibrant fruit and floral notes; the pronounced orange note just screams to be used in a Negroni.
Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Dry Vermouth
94 points
$19
Best Buy
Sip on its own or use in cocktails to add a red berry and sweet orange component.
94 points $19 Best Buy
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.
Regal Rogue Bold Red Dry Vermouth
93 points
$19
Best Buy
Very wine forward with a nice baking spice and macerated fruit backbone; tasty on its own and excellent in a Sangria.
93 points $19 Best Buy