Intrigued by Averna, or wondering whether it’s worth adding to your collection? This Italian bittersweet liqueur is trending, and for good reason: it’s absolutely delicious. The sweet caramel notes and hints of anise and honey make it a great candidate for sipping on the rocks: and there are lots of great ways to mix it into cocktails. What is it, and how does it fit into the family of Italian amari? Here’s a quick look at this popular liqueur.
What is Averna?
Averna is a popular Italian amaro or bitter liqueur (amaro means “little bitter” in Italian). It’s thick and dark brown in color, made by infusing roots, herbs, citrus and other botanicals. It was originally made in the 1800’s by Benedictine monks in Italy. In 1868, the secret recipe was gifted to a man named Salvatore Averna, who started manufacturing it in Sicily. It became popular all over Italy, and today is known all over the world. Gruppo Campari, the company that sells Campari and Aperol (among other liquors), bought Averna in 2014. It is still manufactured in Sicily.
What does Averna taste like?
Amaro Averna is tastes spicy and herbal, with caramel, anise, citrus, and honey notes. On the spectrum of amari from very bitter to very sweet, Averna is somewhere in the middle. It’s an easy to drink amaro, often consumed straight, on the rocks, or in cocktails. It’s similar to dark brown amari like Meletti and Cynar, but has a unique flavor from the proprietary secret recipe. How much alcohol is in Averna? It is 29% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a mid-range alcohol content. Compared to other amari, Averna is on the middle to high end. For example, Aperol is the lowest alcohol at 11% ABV, Cynar is 16.5% ABV, Campari is 24% ABV, and Fernet-Branca is the highest at 40 to 45% ABV (the same level as whiskey, rum, vodka and gin). Are there any Averna substitutes? Substitute another dark, herbal and sweet amaro. Some good options include Meletti, Nonino (see the Paper Plane) or Amaro Tosolini (see the Brooklyn), or Cynar (see these Cynar cocktails).
Why we like it
Averna is full of intriguing bittersweet caramel flavor, and we’re always up for another amari to add to our collection! We love it in a Black Manhattan, or mixed with soda water. Even better, try the Averna cocktails below.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Averna is mid-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $30.
Most popular Averna cocktails
Averna is great sipped on straight or on the rocks, or you can mix it up into drinks. Don’t want to follow a recipe? Mix it with soda water to create a make-shift spritzer. Or, check out these favorite Averna cocktails:
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending: Ingredients: Averna, Prosecco, soda water Ingredients: Averna, bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters Ingredients: Amaro, gin, sweet vermouth Ingredients: Bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Averna, lemon juice Ingredients: Rye whiskey, Dry vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, Averna No reviews
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