Amari

After dinner, I like to set out little cordials with a few Amari on a silver tray with candles along the length of the table.

Guests can explore the artistic labels, sniff the bottles, and begin to pour for one another. You don’t need more than 2 or 3 amari options— or people. It's a perfect little sipper to slowly wind down the evening.  

amari, italian for bitter.

Amari is an herbal liqueur that is commonly consumed as an after dinner night cap. These Italian-born, aromatic elixirs are made by macerating or infusing bitter botanicals like gentian root with a blend of citrus peels, herbs, spices, barks, and seeds in a neutral spirit or wine base. Sugar syrup and water are added and it is typically rested or barrel-aged.

Below are a few of my favorite Amari to get you started. Nothing here is expensive, you can plan to pay about $20-$30 per bottle and they last. 

Cappelletti Aperitivo

Location: Trento, Italy, est. 1909
Tasting Notes: Ruby grapefruit, navel orange, vanilla
How to Enjoy: Over ice with a splash of soda water

Dolin Vermouth

Location: Chambery, France, est. 1821
Tasting Notes: Elderflower, lavender, rosemary, thyme, green olive
How to Enjoy: Over ice with a splash of soda water

L.N Mattei Cap Corse Quinquina

Location: Cap Corse, Corsica, est.1872
Tasting Notes: Ocean, bitter almond, lemon zest, quinine, minerals,
How to Enjoy: Over ice

Cardamaro Amaro

Location: Piedmont, Italy, est.1820
Tasting Notes: Ginger, sweet peppermint, artichoke, Chinese spice shop, honey.
How to Enjoy: Straight up

Cocchi Dopo Teatro 

Location: Canelli d'Asti, est. 1891
Tasting Notes: Brandied cherries, cola nut, caramel, campfire.
How to Enjoy: Over ice with a lemon twist