Licorice root is sweet — far sweeter than sugar by weight — and simultaneously bitter and salty. That contradiction makes it invaluable to amaro producers, who use it to add body and perceived sweetness without adding more syrup.
Star anise supplies the aromatic half of the same idea: a clean, high anise note that carries a long way. Together they define the southern Italian palate, from Averna's cola-and-licorice depth to Ramazzotti's anise lift and Sambuca's outright anise identity.
Calabrian licorice is considered the world's best, and it is no coincidence that some of the most licorice-driven amari come from Calabria and Basilicata.
What licorice & star anise tastes like
Sweet-salty root, resinous anise and a long, coating finish.
Behind the bar
- ✦Licorice-heavy amari coat the palate; serve them colder than you would an alpine bottle.
- ✦Anise notes clash with fresh herbs but love coffee, chocolate and cola.
- ✦Use a licorice-forward amaro instead of sweet vermouth for a darker Manhattan.
Amari made with licorice & star anise
Bottles from the Encyclopedia of Amaro that list it among their botanicals.
- Amaro 18 IsolabellaLombardy, Northern Italy · 30% ABV
- Amaro AvernaSicilia, Southern Italy · 29% ABV
- Averna Riserva Don SalvatoreSicily · 34% ABV
- BecherovkaBohemia, Czech Republic · 38% ABV
- BraulioLombardy, Italian Alps · 21% ABV
- Cynar 70Lombardy / Veneto · 35% ABV
- Amaro del CiclistaEmilia-Romagna, Northern Italy · 26% ABV
- Amaro delle Sirene TarassacoVeneto, Northern Italy · 32% ABV
- Amaro di AngosturaCaribbean · 35% ABV
- Elisir San Marzano BorsciPuglia, Southern Italy · 38% ABV
- Amaro FormidabileLazio, Central Italy · 34% ABV
- Gammel DanskScandinavia · 38% ABV
Licorice & Star Anise cocktails to make tonight
Recipes from the Cocktail Lab that use licorice & star anise.
Licorice & Star Anise: frequently asked questions
Which amaro tastes most of licorice?
Averna, Ramazzotti and Amaro Lucano all lead with licorice and anise; Sambuca takes the idea to its extreme.