Ramazzotti Amaro
Ramazzotti Amaro is the original Italian amaro — created in Milan in 1815 by Ausano Ramazzotti and still made from the same secret recipe, known to only three people at a time. This 750mL bottle is 30% ABV (60 proof), built on a proprietary blend of 33 botanicals: hand-peeled bitter orange rinds from Sicily lead, backed by cardamom, myrrh, galangal, cinnamon, gentian root, cinchona, and rhubarb.
One of the oldest continuously produced amari in Italy, Ramazzotti began life as an herbal tonic and became the benchmark bitter-sweet spirit for aperitivo hour. It earned 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and 93 points at the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Tasting notes
Deep mahogany in the glass. Bright orange zest and cooked red berry on the nose settle into warm spice; the palate is citrus-forward — ripe plum, dark berry, cola — before the bitter herbal core arrives: grapefruit pith, licorice, cinnamon warmth. The finish is medium and warming, with dark chocolate, a faint bitter edge, and lingering orange zest.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- The 1815 original — the amaro that defined the category
- 33 botanicals, bitter orange first — complex but approachable
- 94 pts Wine Enthusiast — critically acclaimed value
- Essential for a Black Manhattan or Amaro Old Fashioned
How to serve it
Pour 2 oz over a large ice cube with an orange twist as a digestif, or reach for it in cocktails — it is the classic choice for a Black Manhattan (2 oz rye, 1 oz Ramazzotti, bitters).
Frequently asked questions
What is Ramazzotti Amaro?
An Italian herbal liqueur (amaro) first made in Milan in 1815 from 33 botanicals, led by bitter orange peel. It is bittersweet — sweet up front, bitter on the finish.
How strong is Ramazzotti?
30% ABV (60 proof) — lighter than most spirits, stronger than most wines, built for sipping.