Best Italian Amaro in Melbourne
What is Amaro?
The Italian word "Amaro" means "Bitter." Amaro is a traditional herbal liqueur that has been popular in Italy for centuries. Italians prepare Amaros by combining alcohol with herbs and spices.
Italians enjoy Amaro after a meal as an aid for better digestion. So, it is not only a liqueur. It is a healthy beverage.
The taste of Amaro varies according to the ingredients and the regions it comes from. If you have read our article about Italian food culture, you know that different regions in Italy have unique flavours in food and beverages.
Even though Amaro is from Italy, Italians are not the only people who enjoy the beverage. It is widely popular worldwide. Today, you’ll find classic Italian and internationally inspired Amaro in many fine establishments.
As one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, we are proud to showcase the best Amaro in Melbourne with over 40 varieties of Amaros. Our purpose is to bring the traditional flavours of Italy to Melbourne.
A Brief History of Amaro
The Story of Amaro began with the monks who used their expertise in herbs, plans, and natural remedies to prepare drinks that support better health. They believed these herbal drinks helped to cure diseases like digestive issues. They prepared Amaro by using spices, flowers, bitter roots, citrus peels, and herbs.
Amaro then evolved from being a medicinal drink to becoming a must-have liqueur in Italian households. In the 19th century, it gained popularity as an after-dinner drink to support digestion.
There is a reason for the popularity of Amaro in the 19th century. The Amaro production moved from monasteries and pharmacies to larger-scale distilleries. Brands like Amaro Ramazzotti and Amaro Montenegro pioneered bringing Amaro into Italian households.
This tradition of drinking Amaro after dinner remains alive and well in Italy, where sharing a small glass of Amaro has become a beloved ritual, often enjoyed among family and friends.
In the past few decades, Italian Amaro has reached beyond Italy. Distilleries in other countries have begun producing their versions of Amaro. This has introduced new flavours and variations of the traditional Italian spirit. And it continues to grow as more people discover and appreciate Amaro’s unique tastes.
At Studio Amaro, we’re proud to be part of this ongoing tradition. We have an extensive selection of over 40 different varieties of Amaro.
The Best Italian Amaro Selection at Studio Amaro
We are known as one the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. It is not only because we provide delicious Italian-inspired dishes. Our Amaro list is also one of the reasons!
Also, our amaro list is available both in our main restaurant and basement bar. Here, you’ll find Italian classics and unique options from France and Australia. Let’s dive into the best Italian amaro offerings by category:
1. Grappa
Grappa is a type of Italian amaro filtered from grape pomace, with rich flavours and aromatic qualities. At Studio Amaro, we offer two delicious grappa selections:
Option 1: Distilleria Gualco Grappa di Barolo Riserva (Aged) - Spicy, Vanilla and Cocoa
Price: $21
This aged grappa has deep flavours from the Piedmont region, with notes of spice, vanilla, and cocoa, creating a warm and luxurious finish.
Option 2: Levi Serafino Moscato Grappa - Moscato aroma, aged in old acacia
Price: $20
This grappa carries the delicate floral notes of Moscato, enhanced by ageing in acacia barrels, resulting in a smooth, fragrant sip.
2. Vintage
Our Vintage amaros are rare selections with a storied history, perfect for guests looking to experience a taste of Italy.
Option 01: 1961 Amaro Lucano - Quinine, gentian, spearmint, mild spice
Price: $26
A balanced amaro with bitterness from quinine and gentian, softened by sweet herbal notes and a touch of spearmint freshness.
Option 02: 1962 Amaro 18 Isolabella - Milan
Price: $26
A truly vintage selection from Milan, this amaro is a fine choice for those craving to savour the taste of traditional Italian liqueur.
3. Sweet Amaro
For a softer, sweet-tasting experience, we offer several Sweet Amaro options. These are ideal for those new to amaro or seeking a lighter flavour.
Option 01: Cynar - Bittersweet, caramel, toffee, cinnamon
Price: $12
This amaro delivers a bittersweet profile with hints of cinnamon.
Option 02: Café Borghetti - Dark coffee, sweet finish
Price: $12
Café Borghetti captures the intense flavour of fresh dark coffee, balanced by a sweet kick that’s perfect for coffee lovers.
Option 03: Amaro Montenegro - Tangerine, vanilla, orange peel, black cherry
Price: $12
This amaro combines the sweetness of vanilla and black cherry with a citrusy, tangerine twist.
4. Bittersweet Amaro
Our Bittersweet Amaro offers a blend of sweet and bitter notes, creating a complex flavour profile that’s both intriguing and refreshing.
Option 01: Averna - Cola, orange peel, licorice, vanilla
Price: $12
Averna is a versatile amaro with hints of cola, citrus, and vanilla, making it a crowd favourite.
Option 02: Braulio - Pine, spearmint, chamomile
Price: $12
A distinctive amaro with flavours of pine and spearmint, this is an earthy and refreshing choice.
Option 03: Nonino Amaro - Spice, orange, caramel
Price: $16
The orange and caramel notes in Nonino Amaro make it a balanced option, perfect for those who prefer a hint of sweetness with their amaro.
Option 04: Branca Menta - Aloe, chamomile, peppermint, saffron
Price: $13
Peppermint and chamomile bring a cool, refreshing taste to this bittersweet amaro.
We have more bittersweet options at Studio Amaro. Click here to check out all the options.
5. Bitter Amaro
Our Bitter flavors are bolder and more intense, appealing to those who enjoy robust, herbaceous flavours.
Option 01: Campari - Bitter orange, herbal woodiness
Price: $12
A classic choice, Campari delivers a prominent bitter orange flavour with light floral notes.
Option 02: Rinomato L’Aperitivo Deciso Liqueur - Orange peel, gentian root, wormwood
Price: $12
A bold amaro with deep herbal flavours, enhanced by gentian root and wormwood.
Option 03: Rhuby Rhubarb Liqueur - Sweet rhubarb, tart grapefruit
Price: $12
This Australian amaro has a tangy flavour, blending rhubarb and grapefruit for a unique experience.
6. Very Bitter Amaro
Our Very Bitter selection is for the adventurous drinker, featuring intense herbal and bitter flavours.
Option 01: Fernet Branca - Eucalyptus, menthol
Price: $15
One of the boldest amaro, Fernet Branca is known for its menthol and eucalyptus flavours, offering a bracing, cooling effect.
Option 02: Applewood Distillery Okar Island Bitter - Riberries, Davidson plums, peppermint gum
Price: $12
An Australian twist on amaro with flavours of native botanicals like riberries and Davidson plums.
Option 03: Suze - Earthy, floral
Price: $12
Suze offers a unique earthy flavour with subtle floral notes, providing a distinctively bitter option.
Why Choose Studio Amaro for the Best Italian Amaro Experience?
Our collection of over 40 varieties showcases the best Italian Amaros alongside international options. Whether you’re a seasoned Amaro fan or new to the world of this remarkable liqueur, our menu caters to every preference and palate.
Studio Amaro is not just a restaurant; it is a culinary journey through the heart of Italian-inspired flavours. Located at 168 Chapel Street, Windsor, Victoria, we take pride in being the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne.
Our Amaro selection, available both in the main dining area and in our intimate basement bar, offers guests an extensive list.
For those wondering, "Where can I buy Italian Amaro in Melbourne?" look no further than Studio Amaro. With our pro bartenders ready to guide you through our selection, you can find the perfect bottles of Amaro to match your taste or complement your meal.