Strega Sambuca

About Strega Sambuca

Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur whose name means 'witch,' hinting at the mystery that still surrounds its recipe. Its distinctive yellow colour and complex, spiced flavour have made it a fixture of the Italian digestivo tradition, traditionally served chilled after a meal or in cocktails like the Strega Sour. For collectors and connoisseurs, it's the closely guarded recipe – known to only a handful of people within the Alberti family business – that turns the bottle into something more than just another Italian liqueur.

History & Background

The liqueur was created in 1860 in the Italian town of Benevento, where the Alberti family developed the original recipe. It has been guarded as a family secret ever since and is still passed down among a small circle who know its full composition of herbs and spices. Over the decades, Strega grew from a local specialty into one of Italy's most widely exported liqueurs, with production still based in Benevento. The brand has also left its mark on Italian culture through the Premio Strega, the country's most prestigious literary prize, named after the liqueur.

Production & Style

The liqueur is made from a complex blend of herbs, where saffron, among other ingredients, contributes to its distinctive yellow color.

Signature Style

Spiced, Sweet, Complex
The flavor offers a complex, spiced character with a pleasant sweetness and a long, aromatic finish.

Facts

Did You Know?

Strega's name means 'witch' in Italian, a reference to local legend about witches said to gather in Benevento.

Like Strega? You should also try:

Luxardo, Nonino and Poli.