Italy has had a long-standing tradition of celebrating meals with vibrant spirits and liqueurs. From a refreshing aperitivo to awaken your appetite to the smooth finish of a digestivo after a meal, these beloved Italian liqueurs are an integral part of how people celebrate food, friendship, and community.
At Browns Valley Market, our shelves are fully stocked with a thoughtfully curated selection of Italian wines, liqueurs, and spirits, perfect for sipping, mixing, and gifting this season. From classic amari like Aperol and Campari to richly layered vermouths, we have everything you need to elevate your mealtime rituals with authentic Italian drinks.
In this guide, we explore the world of Italian liqueurs, including what makes aperitivi and digestivi so unique, and which ones deserve a spot in your home bar.
Italian Liqueurs: Aperitivo vs. Digestivo
Italian liqueurs are deeply rooted in the country’s dining traditions, where every meal is just as much about connecting with friends and loved ones as it is about the food.
Italian liqueurs are generally divided into two main categories:
- Aperitivo (plural aperitivi): enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite
- Digestivo (plural digestivi): enjoyed after a meal to aid in digestion
Some Italian liqueurs and spirits, including amaro and vermouth, can be enjoyed as either an aperitivo or a digestivo, depending on their style and how they’re served.
Below, we take a closer look at what aperitivi and digestivi are, and how each of these Italian liqueurs are traditionally enjoyed.
Italian Aperitivo
An aperitivo (or aperitif in English) is an Italian liqueur enjoyed before dinner to stimulate the appetite. They are typically light, dry, or bitter, and generally have low alcohol content.
Drinking an aperitivo before a meal is meant to cleanse the palate, stimulate the appetite, and give you time to unwind and socialize before dinner. Typically served with light snacks or small bites, this pre-dinner tradition sets the tone for an evening with friends and family.
Aperitivo Examples
Some common Italian aperitivo drinks include:
- Aperol: a vibrant orange liqueur with a bittersweet flavor made from a secret recipe that includes ingredients like oranges, rhubarb, and various herbs and roots
- Campari: a bittersweet aperitif liqueur infused with aromatic herbs and fruits, known for its bright red color
- Prosecco: a crisp, fresh, and sometimes fruity sparkling wine enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails
- Spritz: a bubbly cocktail with a balance of sweet and bitter flavors, typically made with Aperol or Campari, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water
- Negroni: A classic aperitif cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth
- Vermouth: a fortified wine infused with botanicals like herbs, spices, roots, and fruits, typically served on its own, mixed with soda or tonic water, or in a cocktail
Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply enjoying a delicious drink before dinner, an Italian aperitivo sets the stage for a relaxed, fulfilling meal.
Italian Digestivo
A digestivo (or digestifs in English) is an Italian liqueur enjoyed after a meal to help aid digestion. Digestivi are typically higher in alcohol content, richer, and more complex than aperitivi, with deep herbal, spice, or citrus notes. Some can also be sweet and fruity.
This tradition of drinking a digestivo after eating comes from the belief that certain herbs and botanicals help soothe the stomach after a large meal.
Digestivo Examples
Some common Italian digestivo drinks include:
- Amaro (plural amari): a broad category of herbal liqueurs that range from lightly bitter to intensely aromatic
- Cynar: a bitter amaro made from artichokes, with herbal and earthy notes
- Fernet: a dark Italian liqueur, made from a secret recipe and known for its strong flavors of herbs, mint, and licorice
- Grappa: a grape-based brandy made from pomace, often enjoyed neat
- Limoncello: an Italian lemon liqueur made from grain alcohol and lemon zest
- Sambuca: an anise-flavored liqueur made from elderflower and licorice, often with a secret blend of herbs and spices
While they can be mixed into cocktails, a digestivo is meant to be savored and sipped slowly, so they are typically served neat or over ice.
Italian Liqueurs Available at Browns Valley Market
At Browns Valley Market, we have a wide selection of Italian liqueurs ready to be served, sipped, and savored. Below are some of our current favorites grouped by the region they come from.
Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy)
- Casoni Bitter 1814 (25% ABV, Intense): Classic bitter with orange zest, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona bark.
- Esule Vermouth di Torino (17% ABV, Medium): Vinous and structured with wild berries, wormwood, and peppery spice.
Lombardy (Northern Italy)
- Campari (24% ABV, Intense): Iconic bitter with vibrant orange, rhubarb, and quinine.
- Fernet-Branca (39% ABV, Intense): Powerful herbal flavor with eucalyptus, myrrh, saffron, and menthol.
Piedmont (North-Western Italy)
- Baldoria Rosso Vermouth (~18% ABV, Light-Medium): Rich and herbal with notes of wormwood, thyme, sweet red fruit, orange peel, and alpine bitterness.
- Baldoria Verdant Vermouth (~18% ABV, Light): Fresh and green with sorrel, lemon peel, anise, and hibiscus.
- Vetz Aperitivo Superiore (~16% ABV, Medium): Bright and bittersweet with orange peel, gentian, rhubarb, and floral spice.
- Contratto Aperitif (13.5% ABV, Medium): Vibrant aperitivo with bitter orange, rhubarb, and spice.
- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (16% ABV, Medium): Wine-driven vermouth with wormwood, cocoa, orange peel, and vanilla.
- Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth (16.5% ABV, Medium): Luxurious and full-bodied with vanilla, dried fruit, and cocoa.
Liguria (North-Western Italy)
- Amaro Dilei (30% ABV, Medium): Floral and citrus-led with bitter orange, herbs, and Mediterranean spice.
Valle d’Aosta (North-Western Italy)
- Alpe Amaro (30% ABV, Medium-Intense): Alpine herbs, gentian, juniper, and wildflowers with brisk, piney bitterness.
Veneto (North-Eastern Italy)
- Schiavo Amaro Felsina (~30% ABV, Medium): Medium-bodied and pleasantly bitter with roots, gentian, citrus peel, and a touch of vanilla.
- Levante Old Sailor Coffee Liqueur (25% ABV, Light-Medium): Roasted espresso, cocoa nib, and caramel with mild bitterness.
- Aperol (11% ABV, Light): Bright and sweet with bitter orange, gentian, and rhubarb.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia (North-Eastern Italy)
- Amaro Nonino Quintessentia (35% ABV, Medium): Grappa-based amaro with saffron, gentian, and tamarind.
Tuscany, Italy (Central Italy)
- Ginepraio Tuscan Dry Gin (45% ABV): Juniper-driven with thyme, lavender, and sage.
- Winestillery Tuscan Vermouth (17% ABV, Medium): Aromatic vermouth with Tuscan herbs, wormwood, and balsamic spice.
Marche, Italy (Central Italy)
- Varnelli Dell’Erborista Amaro (21% ABV, Medium-Intense): Herbal with honey, gentian, cinchona bark, and smoky bitterness.
Abruzzo, Italy (Central Italy)
- Scuppoz Amaro della Laga (30% ABV, Medium-Intense): Alpine-style amaro with mint, rhubarb, orange, and herbal roots.
- Paesani Amaro Gran Sasso (30% ABV, Medium): Robust and earthy with alpine herbs, licorice root, and citrus peel.
Sicily, Italy (Southern Italy)
- Averna Amaro (29% ABV, Medium): Sweet and velvety with licorice, citrus, caramel, and myrtle.
Calabria, Italy (Southern Italy)
- Vecchio Magazzino Doganale “Jefferson Amaro Importante” (30% ABV, Medium-Intense): Citrus-forward with bergamot, bitter orange, rosemary, and oregano.
California (Italian-Inspired Aperitivo)
- Brucato Amaro Chaparral (25% ABV, Medium) – Yerba santa, bay laurel, sage, and mint with gentle bitterness.
- Atost Aperitif (21% ABV, Light-Medium): Bright and juicy with orange, elderflower, hibiscus, and gentian root.
New York (Italian-Inspired Digestivo)
- Faccio Brutto Fernet Pianta (40% ABV, Intense): Intensely bitter with mint, saffron, myrrh, and chamomile.
Shop Our Full Selection of Italian Liqueurs at Browns Vally Market in Napa
Whether you’re looking to make the perfect Aperol Spritz or gift someone a nice bottle of Amari for the holidays, Browns Valley Market has everything you need. Our expertly curated selection of Italian liqueurs makes it easy to bring beloved traditions to every table.
We’d love to help you find the perfect bottle for any occasion. Stop by to explore our collection and get personalized recommendations from our team.
