Amaro, the traditional bittersweet Italian style of digestivo liqueur, long sat on the back bar of many an Italian restaurant in America, a mystery to all but those who had deep connections to the old country. These days, Amari of all stripes, made in Italy or here domestically, are a treasured ingredient for the cocktail cognoscenti. Whether we are mixing up Black Manhattans, Negroni variations, or having a moment of respect for the old traditions and consuming them on their own, in stile Italiano, our bar feels naked without a few bottles of Amaro. It has become essential. 

So it comes as a bit of a surprise that we haven't seen many options in the ever exploding non-alcoholic zone. There have been many options emulating lighter bodied, Campari-esque aperitivo liqueurs, and of course the classic Italian Chinotto sodas make a compelling booze free alternative, but where is my N/A Cynar?! Drumroll please, and enter Dr. Zero Zero's Amarno. Made in Italy, Amarno contains extracts of sage, Chinese Rhubarb, wormwood and quassia: traditional amaro ingredients that make for a drinking experience somewhere in between a Cynar and a Zucca. 

Though the bite and flavor carrying power of alcohol is certainly absent, it is surprisingly full bodied and complex on it's own, over ice with a twist of citrus. It's even better though with some tonic or soda water, adding some verve to it's herbal-bitter brooding. Cin cin!