Created by Pasquale Vena in the town of Pisticci, Amaro Lucano blends more than 30 botanicals—including gentian, wormwood, orange peel, cinnamon, and aloe—into a dark, complex liqueur that manages to be both robust and incredibly smooth. It clocks in at 28% ABV, with a layered profile of sweet spice, dried herbs, citrus, and a bracingly bitter finish.

Traditionally served neat or over ice as a digestif, it’s also a bartender favorite for adding depth to classic cocktails like a Black Manhattan, Paper Plane, or even a Negroni twist. Its richness and balanced bitterness make it a versatile player behind the bar and an excellent introduction to the world of Italian amari.