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Amaro Montenegro is an Italian bitter liqueur known for its floral, orange, and rose petal notes. Here’s what it tastes like, what to mix it with, and the best substitutes if you can’t find a bottle.
The first time I tasted Amaro Montenegro, I wasn’t expecting the flowers. I’d poured a little over ice thinking it would be a sweeter version of Campari, and instead I got this wave of orange and floral notes.
The thing about this bitter liqueur is that it’s more approachable than most Italian amari, which makes it a great entry point if you’re curious about amaro cocktails but just jumping in. You can drink it straight, on the rocks, or topped with a bit of bubbles as an apéritif, or mix it into a cocktail (see my favorite recipe below!).
What is Amaro Montenegro?
Amaro Montenegro is an Italian amaro or bitter liqueur made in Bologna, Italy. It was invented in 1885 by Stanislao Cobianchi, named after Princess Elena of Montenegro who married the future king of Italy. It’s made with the original recipe of 40 different herbs, fruits and botanicals. It has a caramel color and a bittersweet, floral flavor.
What does Amaro Montenegro taste like?
Amaro Montenegro tastes more floral than most amari: it’s light and bittersweet with notes of orange and a distinct rose petal finish. In fact, it’s the rose aroma that makes it second tier in my personal amari rankings. It’s a bit too much like Grandma’s soap for us, though if you love rose flavor you’ll adore this one. It’s at its best served on the rocks as an aperitif, with soda water, or standing in for Campari in a Negroni.
How much alcohol is in Amaro Montenegro? It is 23% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a mid-range alcohol content for an amaro. In comparison, Aperol is the lowest alcohol at 11% ABV, Campari is 24% ABV, and Fernet-Branca is the highest at 40 to 45% ABV (the same level as whiskey, rum, vodka and gin).
Are there any Amaro Montenegro? This amaro has a very unique flavor, and the rose petal essence is hard to replicate. Substitute another dark or caramel amaro like Amaro Meletti, Amaro Averna, Amaro Nonino, or Cynar.
Why I like it
To be honest, Amaro Montenegro isn’t my favorite amaro. Of course, don’t let that stop you from grabbing a bottle to test it out, especially if you enjoy floral flavors and rose in particular. it makes a great Negroni (aka Montenegroni).
If rose petals scare you away, there are plenty of other great amari. What to buy instead of Amaro Montenegro? Try Amaro Meletti, Amaro Averna, Amaro Nonino, or Cynar.
Tell me in the comments! What’s your favorite way to use this amaro?
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Amaro Montenegro is mid-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $35.
The Montenegroni (Amaro Montenegro Recipe)
The Montenegroni is an intriguing spin on the classic featuring this Italian liqueur! It gives it a bitter, citrusy, and floral flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ounce* gin
- 1 ounce sweet or semi-sweet red vermouth
- 1 ounce Amaro Montenegro
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: Lemon peel
Instructions
- Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Amaro Montenegro in a cocktail mixing glass (or any other type of glass). Fill the mixing glass with 1 handful ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
- Add ice to a lowball glass, and strain the drink into the glass.
- Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the lemon peel. Squeeze the lemon peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass and serve.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:
- Aperol Guide and Campari Guide All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Aquavit All you need to know about this Scandinavian spirit
- Baileys Guide All the ins and outs of Irish Cream.
- Chartreuse Guide This pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Cointreau Guide, Blue Curacao Guide, or Orange Liqueur Guide Citrus liqueurs…broken down.
- Galliano Guide Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Grenadine Guide It’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Fernet Branca Guide Here’s why people love this Italian bitter.
- Kahlua Guide Learn about this popular Mexican coffee liqueur
- Peppermint Schnapps Try this tasty minty liqueur
- Pernod More about this anise-flavored liqueur
This Kiwi got introduced to this grappa in Bologna when I was working for a while at the Ducati Motorcycle factory in nearby Borgo Panigale.
Our tour guide who took Americans on the factory tour always took them to lunch. And insisted that everybody had a grappa. But he could not – because he said he had a heart condition and his doctor forbid him drinking alcohol.
When the tourists took a sip….”Oh! it tastes like gasoline!” Much spitting out! LOL
So our poor old guide had to drink ALL of their grappa’s so none went to waste!
hahahahha
Amaro Montenegro makes my favorite Manhattans. I use Montenegro and Michter’s Rye.
Amaro Montenegro also adds great flavor to sautéed mushrooms.
Let us know if you have any questions!