We here at Fancy A Drink are big fans of Italian Liqueurs; specifically Amaro Averna, Campari, Cocchi Americano, Aperol and Fernet-Branca. As we are heading into the weekend, we thought we would highlight some of our staff’s favorite cocktails made with these Italian beauties.
Interestingly, with the exception of Averna, each of these Liqueurs here was created and first consumed in Northern Italy, approximately four hours from one another in Novara, Asti, Padua and Milan. Averna was developed at the complete other end of Italy, on the island of Sicily.
Amaro Averna was invented in 1868 on the island of Sicily and is named after it’s inventor, Salvatore Averna. We recommend The Black Manhattan.
Campari was first produced in 1860 -a few years prior to Averna- in Novara Italy by Gaspare Campari. It is the essential ingredient in the ever classic, Negroni.
Cocchi Americano. Initial production began in 1891 in the Asti Province of Italy by Giulio Cocchi and we love both the Vesper Martini and the Corpse Reviver #2.
Aperol was originally introduced in 1919 in Padua. It’s popularity took off in post World War II Italy and it is now an international success. The Aperol Spritz is excellent anytime, but particularly on a warm afternoon. The Bitter Monk is a bit more of acquired taste. Try it out if you are looking for an interesting balance of flavors.
Fernet-Branca. There several brands of Fernet, however, Fernet-Branca is the original as it was first served in 1845 by Bernardino Branca in Milan. Primarily, Fernet should be consumed neat, as a digestif. Alternatively, it can be mixed with Coke (to taste) in lieu of a Cuba Libre or with Coffee or Espresso in lieu of Kahlua. If you would like to know more about the history of Fernet-Brnca, check out this article at Thrillist.
Saluti y buon fine settimana!
