A Guide to Amaro and Italian Bitter Liqueurs

The bittersweet Italian liqueurs behind the Negroni, Americano, and countless after-dinner sips.

What amaro means

Amaro is Italian for 'bitter,' and refers to a broad family of herbal liqueurs infused with roots, barks, and botanicals, traditionally sipped after a meal to aid digestion.

Campari and other bitter aperitivos

Campari is technically a bitter aperitivo rather than a true amaro, prized for its vivid red color and bracing bitterness — it's the backbone of the Negroni and Americano.

Cynar and vegetal amari

Cynar is made with artichoke and has an earthy, slightly savory bitterness that works well topped with soda or in place of Campari for a milder spritz.

How to use amaro in cocktails

Amari can typically be substituted for one another in a recipe to shift the flavor — swapping Campari for Cynar in a Negroni-style drink gives a softer, more herbal result.

Frequently asked questions

Is Campari an amaro?

Not technically — Campari is a bitter aperitivo rather than a true amaro, prized for its vivid red color and bracing bitterness. It's the backbone of the Negroni and Americano.

Can I substitute one amaro for another in a cocktail?

Usually, yes. Amari can typically be substituted for one another to shift a drink's flavor — swapping Campari for the earthier, more vegetal Cynar in a Negroni-style drink gives a softer, more herbal result.