Galliano Espresso Liqueur
Galliano Espresso Liqueur is the ultimate espresso-martini liqueur from the 1896 Italian house — a 60 proof (30% ABV) 750mL liqueur that is the renamed Galliano Ristretto, built on a blend of 55% Arabica (Colombia and Brazil — chocolaty, creamy, delicate) and 45% Robusta (India and Kenya — body, bitter coffee tones), dark-roasted over Galliano's signature herbal botanical base. The brand's own positioning: not a coffee liqueur — an espresso liqueur. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 60 proof (30% ABV) — 750mL
- Recipe: 55% Arabica + 45% Robusta, dark-roasted; Galliano herb/botanical base underneath
- Origin: Italy — Galliano, born in Livorno, Tuscany 1896; distilled by Maraschi & Quirici in Piedmont
- Identity: formerly sold as Galliano Ristretto (same 30% ABV liquid, new name)
- Signature serve: the espresso martini
The World's First Ristretto Liqueur
Galliano launched the Ristretto expression as "the world's first Ristretto liqueur," and the renamed Espresso keeps the same liquid: dark-roasted coffee layered over the herbal complexity that made the tall, Roman-column bottle famous since 1896, when it was named for Major Giuseppe Galliano. The tall bottle is the same; the game is the espresso martini, where its oily, almost pepperminty espresso finish is built to shine. Browse more liqueurs or the house in the Galliano collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Brand-quoted notes: very close to strong black coffee — dark chocolate-covered and heavily roasted coffee beans, an oily espresso finish with an almost pepperminty freshness; vanilla and subtle herbal complexity underneath from the Galliano botanical base.
How to Enjoy
In an espresso martini — two parts vodka, one part Galliano Espresso, one part fresh espresso, shaken hard. Also excellent over ice as a digestivo, or drizzled over vanilla gelato.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galliano Espresso the same as Galliano Ristretto?
Yes — Espresso is the renamed Ristretto: the same 30% ABV Italian espresso liqueur under the current name.
How strong is it?
60 proof (30% ABV) — liqueur strength, with real espresso intensity.
What cocktails use it?
The espresso martini is its signature serve; it also works over ice or in coffee-based dessert drinks.
The espresso martini's missing ingredient — pick up Galliano Espresso at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.