Italy Panorama

Amaro Lucano

Liquore al Caffé

For those of you who have an affection for Italian caffé, you will also want to experience Liquore al Caffé, a heavenly coffee-based liqueur, the best of which is made by Lucano. This digestivo is a rich, after-dinner drink containing 30% alcohol, and, like limoncello or grappa, is said to help your stomach digest your meal.

One of the most popular national brands is Borghetti, but there are several regionally-produced options, as well.  Our favorite, the Amaro Lucano Liquore al Caffé, is unfortunately found only in the southern parts of Italy, particularly in Lucania (Basilicata). The locals of Laurenzana, a mountain hamlet south of Potenza, claim bragging rights to the recipe, saying their town has a history of making this type of liquore, and it is possible to enjoy several superb, locally-produced varieties.  Every housewife, restaurant and caffé has their own way of making it.

For many, a traditional amaro is an acquired taste, but this one goes down particularly easily and is one of the flavors that will always remind you of bella Italia.