Top 5 Sicilian Liqueurs

Casa Averna is the historic headquarters and production center of the Averna brand, located in Caltanissetta, Sicily, and today part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio. The brand was founded in 1868, when Salvatore Averna, a respected merchant and landowner, was gifted a secret herbal elixir recipe by the Benedictine monastery of Santo Spirito. Initially, the liqueur was prepared exclusively for the family and close friends, but it soon gained popularity throughout Italy. Averna is an authentic Sicilian amaro - an herbal liqueur of medium sweetness and mild bitterness, rich in aromas of caramel, citrus, mint, anise, rosemary, sage, and other Mediterranean herbs. It is produced by infusing more than twenty carefully selected herbs, roots, and spices according to a closely guarded traditional recipe. It is distinguished by its dark color, full and harmonious aroma, and silky texture. Today, Averna is produced exclusively at Casa Averna in Caltanissetta, which also houses a museum dedicated to the brand’s history. As a recognizable symbol of Sicilian tradition, Averna is enjoyed worldwide - neat, over ice with a slice of orange, or as an ingredient in cocktails - maintaining its authentic taste and cultural heritage that has endured for more than a century and a half.Expand

Averna is a popular Italian bitter digestif that was named after its inventor Salvatore Averna who created it in 1868. Some sources state that the recipe was handed to the Avernas by a monk of the local San Spirito monastery. The exact ingredient list remains the Averna family secret, but this bittersweet liqueur is said to be made with more than 60 different herbs, roots, pomegranate, and the essential oils of bitter Sicilian lemons. Though Averna is typically enjoyed on its own, served on the rocks or neat, it can also be used for various cocktails.Expand

Mandarinetto is a traditional Sicilian liqueur made with fresh, organic mandarin oranges. It is prepared with freshly peeled mandarin skins macerated in neutral alcohol. The macerate is sweetened and mixed with water to reach the desired alcohol content. It is then strained and allowed to settle. The resulting bright orange liqueur is fresh and aromatic, with a distinctive citrus-like flavor. Mandarinetto can be served as a well-chilled digestif or a dessert ingredient. Expand

Amaranca is an award-winning orange-flavored amaro from Sicily that was inspired by an old family recipe. This artisanal liqueur is flavored with Sicilian wild orange (Citrus aurantium) and a herbal infusion made with various herbs and roots collected on the slopes of Mount Etna. Amaranca is a citrusy liqueur with subtle bitterness. The flavor and aroma are herbal and fruity. Amaranca is best served as an aperitif or a digestif. It can be enjoyed neat (preferably well chilled) or on the rocks and should be garnished with orange zest or fresh mint. Amaranca is produced by the family-owned Romeo Vini, a company with forty-year-long experience. Expand