Amaro Lucano — Taste, Cocktails & Substitutes

Historical Context

Created by Pasquale Vena in Pisticci, Basilicata, in 1894

What Does Amaro Lucano Taste Like?

Bittersweet and warming, with dried fig and caramel softening a backbone of bitter herbs and gentian. Medium-bodied with a gently spiced, lingering finish.

More liqueurs with Orange Peel Wormwood Gentian Root Caramel

Recipes with Amaro Lucano

Lucano and Chinotto

1.5 oz as Amaro Lucano

Regional

Use Amaro Lucano as a Substitute

In place of Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter: For Remembrance
A pale bitter aperitif shaken with grapefruit, named for Ophelia's rosemary
Modern
In place of Amaro CioCiaro: Pocket Square
Six ingredients around a bitter orange amaro, shaken and served over ice
Modern
In place of Badel Pelinkovac: Zagreb Twilight
Croatian wormwood bitter with elderflower and lemon, short and over ice
Regional
In place of Zwack Unicum: Zwack and Soda
Unicum lengthened with lime, cucumber and soda, the way the house pours it
Regional

FAQ

What is Amaro Lucano made of?

Amaro Lucano is made from more than 30 herbs over a bittersweet, herbal base: holy thistle, gentian, and wormwood among them. It bottles at 28% ABV. The Vena family created it in 1894 in Basilicata, and it remains a southern Italian staple.

Related Liqueurs

Bottles that share a flavor profile

Bittermens

Amère Sauvage

Jeppson's

Malört

De Kuyper

Lucano and Chinotto

For Remembrance

Pocket Square

Zagreb Twilight

Zwack and Soda