Averna

Averna is an Italian amaro, or bitter herbal liqueur, produced in Caltanissetta, Sicily.

Averna is an Italian amaro, or bitter herbal liqueur, produced in Caltanissetta, Sicily. It was created in 1868 and is widely associated with Sicilian digestif traditions; the brand is now owned by Gruppo Campari. In Canada, Averna is sold as an imported Italian amaro and appears in Canadian bars, restaurants and retail liquor markets.

History

Averna’s commercial history begins in 1868 in Caltanissetta, Sicily, where Salvatore Averna is credited with developing the recipe. Some accounts also connect the recipe to Capuchin monks, but the 1868 Averna origin story is the standard brand history.

Style and production

Averna is an amaro, meaning a herbal bitter liqueur usually consumed as a digestif. Sources describe it as dark, viscous and bittersweet, with ingredients such as herbs, spices, roots and citrus peel.

Brand ownership

The Averna brand remained in family ownership for generations before being acquired by Gruppo Campari in 2014. Production continued under Campari, which has presented the brand as preserving the original Sicilian character of the liqueur.

Use and serving

Averna is typically drunk neat, on the rocks or in cocktails. It is especially associated with after-dinner service, though it is also used by bartenders in modern mixed drinks.