Grand Marnier meets Fernet Branca
Southern Italy is the source of this delightful drink…a digestif and a liqueur, Vecchio Amaro del Capo is both: sweeter than the former but sharper than the latter: Grand Marnier meets Fernet Branca.
Although the back label would have you believe Vecchio Amaro is “an ancient Caffo family secret,” the formula does not come down through the ages as an invention of medieval monks. Rather, this lively infusion of 29 herbs and flowers, roots and fruits, is the brainchild of Guiseppe Caffo, who dreamed it up in 1965.
Of course the ingredients are a family secret, but they will reveal that bitter and sweet oranges, juniper, mandarins, camomile, and liquorice are components.
While the company suggests serving it neat or over ice, Vecchio Amaro del Capo — literally, “old bitter of the head or chief” — is also delicious over coffee ice cream or in coffee itself. Calabrian, rather than Irish coffee!
It’s something you should know about….
If your wine shop does not carry it, the following sites are among the best for finding Vecchio Amaro del Capo. Prices will vary.