Best Herbal Liqueur Types in the World
Hailing from Gdańsk, this herbal liqueur is easily distinguished by the flakes of real gold. According to the written records, it first appeared in 1598, and it was an invention of a Dutch Ambrose Vermollen who created a recipe that was based on a secret combination of 20 different herbs and roots.
Considered as one of the oldest liqueurs in the world, Goldwasser comes at 40% ABV and displays both sweet and spicy cinnamon aromas, with underlying notes of licorice and mint. Though its history is closely intertwined with Poland, following the political turmoil and the Second World War Goldwasser is now produced in Germany, but it remains a symbol of the city of Gdańsk.
Averna is a popular Italian bitter digestif that was named after its inventor Salvatore Averna who created it in 1868. Some sources state that the recipe was handed to the Avernas by a monk of the local San Spirito monastery. The exact ingredient list remains the Averna family secret, but this bittersweet liqueur is said to be made with more than 60 different herbs, roots, pomegranate, and the essential oils of bitter Sicilian lemons.
Though Averna is typically enjoyed on its own, served on the rocks or neat, it can also be used for various cocktails.
Amargo Obrero is a dark brown bitter characterized by its herbal, almost licorice flavor. It was initially created in 1887 as a response to the sweet drinks of the upper classes, and since then it has been known as the aperitif of the Argentine people and a working-class drink.
Although it can be enjoyed on its own, Amargo is typically used in mixed drinks, and while the standard is to couple it with tonic, other suggestions include grapefruit juice, coke, or sparkling water. The drink is bottled at 19.9% ABV.
Chartreuse is one of the oldest and most popular French liqueurs. It is believed that the drink originates from an ancient manuscript that was sent to the Grande Chartreuse monastery at the beginning of the 18th century. In 1764, the Carthusian Monks decoded the paper and produced the first version of a health elixir that was mostly used as a medicine.
The monks then adapted the recipe in 1840 to create the original Green Chartreuse—the first version of Chartreuse liqueur that is still prepared following a secret formula that includes around 130 herbs, spices, and other botanicals. The macerate is distilled and then aged in oak casks.
Amaro is a potent digestif with a silky, sometimes even syrupy structure that originated in the 1800s. It is traditionally produced by macerating several herbs, flowers, aromatic bark, citrus peels, and spices in alcohol, either spirits or wine.
The blend is then mulled with sugar syrup before being put to age. Although the Italian word amaro translates to bitter, the flavors of this herbal liqueur are complex and may range from earthy and bitter to syrupy and almost sweet, depending on its age and ingredients used in the blend.
VARIATIONS OF Amaro
THE BEST Amaro Herbal Liqueurs

Straightaway
Accompani Mari Gold Amaro
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023

Angostura is a concentrated bitters made with herbs and spices. It was developed in 1824 in the Venezuelan town of Angostura (now called Ciudad Bolívar), when a German doctor Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, who was a surgeon general for Simón Bolívar, used a secret blend of botanicals, including angelica, cinchona, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange peel, to create an antifebrile tonic.
The drink was an instant success and was later mainly used as a flavor enhancement because of the fairly high alcohol content of 44.7%. Due to political turmoil, Siegert relocated his company from Angostura to Trinidad and Tobago, where it still operates.
Bràulio is an Italian amaro that was created in 1875 by Francesco Peloni, a chemist from Bormio who was an expert in medicinal herbs from the alpine Valtellina region. Although the recipe and the exact ingredients are kept secret, it is known that the drink is made with the infusion of various herbs, roots, plants from Valtellina such as gentian root, wormwood, juniper berries, and achillea.
The botanicals are dried and ground before they are added to the alcohol infusion. Springwater and sugar are added, and the filtered blend is left to mature for two years in Slavonian oak. The process results in a balanced, amber-colored amaro that is subtly bitter, herbaceous, and earthy, with hints of sweetness and spiciness.
Montenegro is a popular Italian liqueur and a type of amaro that has been produced in Bologna since 1885. It is made with 40 botanicals sourced from four continents, and it remains one of the most popular and best-selling amari in Italy.
The production process is complex and includes several techniques, and though the exact botanical blend remains secret, some of the ingredients include oranges, wormwood, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The liqueur is amber-colored, with a rich, bittersweet flavor.
It has intense aromas reminiscent of citrus, herbs, and spices, along with licorice and chocolate nuances. Montenegro works best as a pre- or post-dinner aperitif. It can be incorporated into cocktails and long drinks.
Beirão is a Portuguese herbal liqueur that was first produced in the 19th century. Although the recipe is held secret, the drink is made by macerating twelve different botanicals. According to a widespread story, the history of the liqueur dates back to the 19th century when a Port salesman passing through Lousã fell in love with a daughter of a pharmacist.
They stayed in Lousã and started creating and selling various health remedies, including a liqueur for stomach pain which would in 1929 become the Beirão liqueur. In 1940, the company that produced the drink was bought by José Carranca Redondo who had great success into promoting Beirão into one of the most popular Portuguese liqueurs.
The original Becherovka was created by a British doctor Frobrig. He passed down the recipe to Josef Becher who perfected it and initially put it on the market as a medical remedy in 1807, under the name English Bitter. Despite the political and war turmoil in the 20th century, Becherovka remained a leading Czech product and is still produced according to the original, secret recipe.
It is made with a combination 20 different spices and herbs that are macerated in alcohol to create a base which is then cut with water and sugar and left to age in oak casks. Becherovka is traditionally enjoyed neat or over ice, but it can also work well in cocktails, out of which the most popular is Beton—a combination of Becherovka and tonic water that was invented in 1967 for the international EXPO exhibition in Montreal.
Best Herbal Liqueur Producers in the World
Distilleria Sibona is one of the oldest distilleries in the Piedmont region, located in the heart of Roero. It is renowned for its artisanal production of grappa, utilizing fresh pomace from prestigious local wineries. Sibona holds a unique historical distillation license and prides itself on its deep connection to traditional methods while incorporating modern techniques to ensure high-quality products.
Their grappa is aged in various types of barrels, including those used for sherry, port, and whiskey, enhancing the flavor profile and creating distinctive spirits.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2022, 2021, 2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Distilleria Sibona Spirits
Aura Distillery, located in Buzet, Istria, Croatia, is a family-run business specializing in the production of spirits, liqueurs, jams, and gins made from wild herbs and fruits harvested in unspoiled nature. Their products are entirely natural, with no additives, artificial flavors, or colorings.
The distillery offers a diverse range of 25 types of brandies and liqueurs, four types of gin, and nine types of jams, alongside products like extra virgin olive oil and elderflower vinegar. Their flagship product, Teranino, is a liqueur made from Teran red wine and ten spices, renowned for winning numerous gold medals at prestigious global competitions.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023

European Spirits Challenge - Silver
2024

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Aura Destillery Spirits
Vina Rossi, established in 1885, is a family-owned winery located in Vižinada, Istria, Croatia. With over 18 hectares of meticulously maintained vineyards, they cultivate indigenous Istrian grape varieties to produce high-quality wines and brandies.
Their portfolio includes labels such as Moro, Malvazija Templara, Templara Riserva, Rosé, Istrian Malvazija, Chardonnay, and Yellow Muscat. The fifth generation of the Rossi family continues to innovate while preserving traditional values, offering tasting experiences that showcase both their heritage and contemporary creations.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024

European Spirits Challenge - Silver
2024
BEST Rossi Destillery Spirits
207 Amaro Locale is a brand that blends the tradition of Italian amaro liqueurs with a modern business approach and strategy. Produced in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, known for its rich culinary heritage, 207 Amaro Locale emphasizes authenticity and the use of local ingredients.
Its global presence is bolstered by its connection to the Pernod Ricard Group, one of the world’s leading producers of alcoholic beverages.
AWARDS

World's Best Bitters - Winner
2024

World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
BEST 207 Amaro Locale Liqueurs
Straightaway Cocktails, based in Portland, Oregon, specializes in premium ready-to-drink cocktails made with carefully selected ingredients. Their Accompani collection features liqueurs, amaros, and vermouths that serve as versatile bases for various cocktails.
The name "Accompani" is derived from "companion" and "accompany," reflecting their purpose as ideal complements to drinks and gatherings. These products can be enjoyed on their own or used as ingredients in cocktail creation. One standout product in this line is the Mari Gold Amaro, an aperitif with prominent citrus notes and floral undertones from orange blossom.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold
2022

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
BEST Straightaway Spirits
Bad Spirits is a renowned Italian company dedicated to producing premium alcoholic beverages, 100% made in Italy. Their philosophy combines authentic, traditional recipes with a modern approach, resulting in innovative and unique products. The company prides itself on using only natural ingredients and traditional distillation methods, ensuring top-notch quality.
Their product range includes vodka, gins, amaro, and sambuca, each with its own story and character. One of their most notable products is Bad Gin, whose bottle design is inspired by the city of Bologna and its culture. Additionally, Amaro 1904, based on an old recipe, stands out with chamomile as its key ingredient, while Sambuca Sbagliata is the result of a fortunate mistake in production, creating a truly unique flavor.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver
2024
BEST Bad Spirits Spirits
Blackmouth Spirits is an Italian distillery dedicated to crafting premium spirits that blend traditional alchemical methods with modern production techniques. Their product line includes Blackmouth Dry Gin and Amaro Ilex, both meticulously developed through a four-phase alchemical process to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.
The distillery emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients and innovative methods to create contemporary, genuine, and innovative products.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver
2024
BEST Blackmouth Spirits
Best Herbal Liqueurs in the World
The Mari Gold aperitif from Straightaway Cocktails' Accompani collection is celebrated for its bright citrus and floral orange blossom notes. Key botanicals include Seville orange peel, citron peel, orange blossom, and gentian root, giving it a balanced profile of sweetness and subtle bitterness.
This makes Mari Gold ideal for sipping neat or enhancing cocktails, such as in a refreshing spritz mixed with sparkling water and an orange slice.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
Aura Fernet Amaro 78 is a premium herbal liqueur produced by Aura Distillery in Istria, Croatia. Crafted from a blend of 78 different herbs, citrus peels, roots, and spices, this liqueur is made through a meticulous process of distillation, maceration, and infusion.
The number 78 signifies the variety of ingredients used, reflecting the distillery's dedication to complexity and quality. With an alcohol content of 34.7%, Aura Fernet Amaro 78 is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif, served chilled at temperatures between 6-8°C.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023
207 Amaro Locale is a premium Italian herbal liqueur crafted in the Piedmont region. Known for its rich and complex flavor, it is made from a blend of carefully selected local botanicals and herbs, offering a harmonious balance of bitter, sweet, and aromatic notes.
With its artisanal production process, 207 Amaro Locale embodies tradition while appealing to modern tastes. Perfect as a digestif or as a base for creative cocktails, it reflects the essence of Italian craftsmanship and flavor heritage.
AWARDS

World's Best Bitters - Winner
2024

World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
Rossi Amaro Istriano is a premium digestive liqueur crafted by the Rossi family in Istria, Croatia. Inspired by traditional Italian Amaro recipes, it offers a harmonious blend of flavors. The aroma presents notes of berries, herbs, and roots, complemented by a citrus finish.
On the palate, it evokes green walnut, almond, gentian, and Mediterranean herbs, leading to a long, elegant bittersweet aftertaste. With an alcohol content of 28%, it is best enjoyed chilled at 8–10°C, either neat or over ice with a twist of orange peel.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Amaro Sibona is a rich and aromatic herbal liqueur crafted by Distilleria Sibona, using a traditional recipe that blends a variety of herbs, flowers, roots, and spices. This amaro offers a balanced bitterness with subtle sweetness, making it perfect as a digestif after a meal.
The complex flavor profile reveals layers of citrus, aromatic herbs, and earthy tones, creating a harmonious and long-lasting finish. It can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or as an ingredient in cocktails, offering a versatile and refined drinking experience.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2022

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Amaro San Marco is a herbal liqueur by Sarandrea, crafted from a blend of medicinal plants from the Ernici Mountains. This traditional liqueur, perfected around 1920, was developed by Capuchin herbalist Paolo Sarandrea, focusing on the natural properties of local herbs.
Known for its balanced, rich flavors, it can be enjoyed as a digestif or aperitif, with or without ice.
AWARDS

Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold
2020
Amaro 1904 is a premium Italian digestif crafted from a family recipe developed by Ferdinando De Cinque in 1904. This unique liqueur features a harmonious blend of botanicals, including chamomile, which imparts depth and aroma. Tasting notes reveal herbaceous and delicate flavors, with hints of orange citrus, cinnamon, cloves, mint, and licorice.
With an alcohol content of 29% and presented in a 700ml bottle, Amaro 1904 can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or as a versatile ingredient in cocktails.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver
2024
Ilex Amaro, crafted by Blackmouth Spirits, is an Italian herbal liqueur that opens with powerful herbal aromas, leading to an intense palate brimming with notes of citrus oil, sour cherry, and aniseed. This spirit offers a fabulous exploration of flavors, making it a distinctive addition to the amaro category.
Bottled at 29% ABV, Ilex Amaro is versatile in its consumption. It can be enjoyed neat as a digestif, over ice, or incorporated into various cocktails to add depth and complexity. The meticulous crafting process and the harmonious blend of botanicals reflect Blackmouth Spirits' commitment to quality and innovation in spirit production.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver
2024
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 84 Herbal Liqueurs in the World” list until April 02, 2025, 1,691 ratings were recorded, of which 1,296 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.