Montenegro
Amaro Montenegro is a digestive comprised of 40 botanicals. Originating in Bologna, Italy in 1885, its creator, Stanisalo Cobianchi initially name the creation “Elisir Lungavita,” or the “Elixir of Life.” The liqueur was birthed after Cobianchi’s extensive travels around the world, where he collected more than 40 rinds, woods, seeds, flowers, fruits, roots, stems and leaves. The name was changed in 1896 to Amaro Montenegro, in honor of the beautiful Princess Elena Petrović-Njegoš of Montenegro and her marriage to King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. Amaro Montenegro was an essential part of the king’s wedding celebration, which helped launch it to prominence in Italy.
Aside from a halt in production during World War II (the factory was severely damaged in nearby fighting), the concoction continues to be made in San Lazzaro di Savena, in the Bologna province.
Base: Vanilla, eucalyptus, orange peels
Flavor is most like: Citrus, spice, herbal (coriander, black pepper, allspice, licorice root), floral (rose, lavender), wormwood
Sweetness (1 to 5): 2
Description: Amaro Montenegro is lighter in texture and more balanced than many other amari. There is a wormwood essence in the liqueur which provides a lingering bitterness, adding to the complexity of the cocktails to which it has been added.
ABV: 23%
Common Cocktail Offerings:
- Smoke & Bitters
- Full Monte
- Mount Rushmore
- M & M (Mezcal & Montenegro)