Elisir San Marzano

Elisir San Marzano is an Italian liqueur and a type of Amaro that hails from Puglia (province of Taranto). The liqueur is rum-based and flavored with a secret blend of botanicals, including spices, herbs, and roots such as wormwood, cinnamon, licorice root, cloves, and saffron.

The liqueur is dark and rich, with bittersweet flavor and notes reminiscent of warm spices, fruit, and chocolate. The history of the liqueur dates to the 19th century. Giuseppe Borsci, a member of the Borsci line—a family from the Caucasus who moved to Albania and then exiled to Italy—created a drink inspired by his family traditions.

The yellow label that depicts a double-headed eagle (also featured on the Albanian flag) is still used today. Elisir can be served neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in long drinks, cocktails, or simply topped with tonic. It can be added to coffee or desserts.