Amaro Montenegro: Bologna's Beloved Herbal Legacy

Amaro Montenegro was created in 1885 by Stanislao Cobianchi in Bologna, Italy. Defying his family's wishes for a religious life, Cobianchi traveled extensively, collecting rare botanicals and perfecting his recipe.

The liqueur's distinctive flavor comes from a blend of 40 herbs and spices, carefully selected and processed through a unique method of extraction and distillation. Named in honor of Princess Elena of Montenegro, the future Queen of Italy, the amaro quickly gained recognition for its balanced profile of sweet and bitter notes.

The success of Amaro Montenegro led to the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in Bologna in 1895. The production process, known as Premio Bolle, involves six distinct boiling phases and microscopic ingredient measurement to ensure consistency.

During the early 1900s, the brand gained international recognition, winning numerous awards including the Grand Prix at the 1900 Paris International Exhibition. The distinctive bottle design, featuring subtle shoulders and vertical ridges, became a symbol of quality and tradition.

Amaro Montenegro's influence expanded beyond Italy's borders, particularly after World War II. The brand's commitment to quality and tradition resonated internationally, making it a favorite among bartenders and connoisseurs.

The company's motto, 'Non fare il solito amaro' (Don't make the usual amaro), reflects its unique position in the category. Today, it's exported to more than 70 countries and remains the best-selling amaro in Italy, known for its accessibility and versatility.

While traditionally enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Amaro Montenegro has become a versatile cocktail ingredient.

• Monte-Mule

  A twist on the Moscow Mule with Montenegro, ginger beer, and lime

• Montenegro Spritz

  Montenegro combined with prosecco and soda water

• Monte Manhattan

  A variation using Montenegro, rye whiskey, and orange bitters

• Black Manhattan

  A sophisticated blend of bourbon, Montenegro, and bitters

In recent years, Amaro Montenegro has experienced significant growth, driven by the global amaro renaissance and cocktail culture revival. The brand maintains its traditional production methods while embracing modern mixology trends.

The company continues to innovate through limited editions and creative marketing campaigns, while maintaining its position as the category leader in Italy. Its role in both traditional drinking culture and contemporary cocktail scenes has solidified its status as a bridge between heritage and innovation.