Ingredients
Built on saffron, anise and violet, with caramel, gentian and citrus rounding it out. Meletti is one of the sweeter mid-weight amari, and its floral top note is unusual enough that bartenders treat it as a modifier rather than a straight substitute for Averna or Montenegro.
- ✦Saffron
- ✦Star anise
- ✦Violet flower
- ✦Gentian root
- ✦Bitter orange
- ✦Caramel
- ✦Cinchona bark
- ✦Angelica
- ✦Cardamom
History of the Brand
Silvio Meletti began experimenting with herbal infusions in Ascoli Piceno in the 1860s while running a small anisette business, and formalized the amaro recipe in 1870.
The distinctive frosted-glass bottle and the vintage poster art of a woman pouring the liqueur date from the early 20th century, and the company still trades on them.
Meletti's Caffè Meletti in Ascoli's Piazza del Popolo, opened in 1907, remains one of Italy's landmark historic cafés and is effectively the brand's showroom.
The amaro arrived in the American market in the 2010s during the cocktail-driven amaro boom and quickly became a staple behind bars looking for a floral, saffron-inflected bitter.
Tasting Characteristics
Violet and saffron, burnt caramel, anise and dried orange peel.
Rich and syrupy — caramel and brown sugar, then saffron, licorice and a floral lift, with gentian bitterness arriving late.
Long, sweet-bitter, with anise and violet fading into dry root.
Flavor meter
How to serve it
- 01Neat at room temperature after dinner — this is a sipping amaro first.
- 02Over one large cube with an orange twist.
- 03In a Black Manhattan in place of Averna for a more perfumed version.
- 04Split with bourbon and lemon in a sour; the saffron survives dilution well.
- 05Poured over vanilla gelato — the classic Marche move.
Where to Get It
Widely available in the US and Europe through specialty retailers, less common in supermarkets. The frosted bottle makes it easy to spot on a shelf.
Specialty bottle shops
Any shop with a real amaro section will carry it, usually $30–$36.
Online spirits retailers
Reliably stocked; look for the 750ml frosted bottle.
Italy
Cheapest at source in the Marche, and Caffè Meletti in Ascoli sells it directly.
Affiliate buying links coming soon.
Amaro Meletti FAQ
What is Amaro Meletti?
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A herbal amaro from Ascoli Piceno in the Marche, created by Silvio Meletti in 1870 and bottled at 32% ABV. Saffron, anise and violet are its signature flavors.
What does Amaro Meletti taste like?
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Sweet and syrupy, with caramel and brown sugar up front, then saffron, licorice and a distinct violet floral note. Bitterness is moderate and arrives late.
What can I substitute for Amaro Meletti?
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Averna is the closest widely available match for sweetness and body, though it lacks the saffron and violet. Montenegro is a decent second choice for its floral side.
Is Amaro Meletti sweet or bitter?
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Distinctly on the sweet side of the category — around a 5 out of 10 on bitterness — which makes it a good bridge amaro for newcomers.
How should I drink Amaro Meletti?
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Neat or over a large cube after dinner, in a Black Manhattan, or poured over vanilla gelato as they do in the Marche.