Strega Liqueur
Strega Liqueur is the iconic Italian herbal liqueur from Benevento, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), distilled from around 70 herbs and spices and coloured golden by saffron. Made to the same recipe since 1860, it is a minty, complex digestif with real cocktail pedigree. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 700mL (tag — confirm on label; US bottlings often 750mL)
- Botanicals: ~70 herbs and spices incl. Ceylon cinnamon, Florentine iris, Apennine juniper, Samnite mint, saffron
- Origin: Distilleria Strega, Benevento, Italy — produced since 1860
- Style: herbal digestif; aged in oak vats to harmonise the bouquet
The Yellow Liqueur of Benevento
Strega — Italian for “witch” — takes its name from the legends of witchcraft in Benevento, and its golden colour from saffron in the herbal distillate. Created in 1860 by the Alberti family, it is built from roughly 70 herbs and spices, ground, macerated and distilled, then rested in oak vats until the aromas settle into balance. It is considered a digestif in Italy, but American cocktail history knows it as the secret weapon of tiki and craft bars — a single dash brings mint, fennel and saffron spice to anything it touches.
Tasting Notes
Bright golden yellow. Mint-forward on the nose with fennel, saffron spice and a coniferous edge. The palate is sweet but complex — herbal, softly spiced, with that unmistakable saffron warmth. Smooth, warming finish with lingering mint and spice.
How to Enjoy
Sip it chilled after dinner the Italian way, or stir it into cocktails: it adds depth to a herbal liqueur spritz, a white Negroni variation, or any tiki drink that calls for Strega. A bar spoon in hot chocolate is an old bartender’s trick worth knowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Strega taste like?
Mint, fennel, saffron and warm spice over a sweet herbal base — complex but approachable, with a distinctive golden colour from saffron.
Is Strega a digestif?
Yes — in Italy it is traditionally served after meals, often chilled or on the rocks.
What cocktails use Strega liqueur?
It shines in tiki drinks, spritzes, and stirred cocktails — anywhere you want herbal depth with a minty-saffron signature.
You can order Strega Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — this Italian classic from Strega is ready to ship.