Aperitivo Hour with Amaro Lucano

Amaro Lucano has been the backbone of Italian aperitivo since 1894, when a pastry chef named Pasquale Vena started experimenting with over 30 herbs in the back of his bakery in Pisticci, a small town in Basilicata. It is slightly bitter with hints of citrus, vanilla, spice, and herbs. While many Italians enjoy it after dinner, I think it makes a beautiful aperitivo to sip before a meal.

Some ways to drink it: 

Lucano & Soda. The easiest one in the world. Amaro Lucano over ice, a good pour of club soda, a squeeze of orange and the wheel dropped right in.

Lucano Spritz. Same idea, but swap the soda for prosecco. More bubbles and a little more festive and summery!

Plum & Bourbon Lucano. This one's for when you want something with a bit more weight to it. Muddle a ripe plum, add bourbon and Amaro Lucano, a splash of lemon and a touch of simple syrup, shake it up and pour it over crushed ice. 

Lucano Negroni. Equal parts Lucano, gin and sweet vermouth. Softer and rounder than a classic negroni.

I usually serve something salty next to it- a bowl of olives, a chunk of parmesan drizzled with honey, and chips! Salty and fatty foods are exactly what a bitter amaro wants to be paired with, so you really can't go wrong.

Cheers!