Luxardo Antico Liqueur

Luxardo Antico is a richly aromatic, bittersweet Italian liqueur that blends fruit warmth, herbal complexity, and refined citrus spice. It’s elegant, layered, and versatile — equally at home as a sipping aperitif or as a sophisticated cocktail ingredient.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Crafted by Luxardo, the iconic family-owned distillery established in 1821, Antico reflects over two centuries of Italian liqueur expertise. Produced in the Veneto region, this expression begins with a base of cherry-wine distillate, a nod to Luxardo’s historic mastery of fruit liqueurs. The spirit is then infused with a curated blend of botanicals, herbs, roots, and spices, creating a deeply aromatic profile. Rather than relying on overt sweetness, Antico is built on balance — fruit richness, herbaceous bitterness, and bright citrus notes working together to create a distinctive aperitivo-style liqueur.

Critics Reviews

Professional spirits reviewers frequently highlight Luxardo Antico for its elegant structure and mixability. Tastings by respected voices in the cocktail and spirits world often describe it as “a refined, bittersweet liqueur with pronounced herbal depth,” noting its ability to substitute for sweet vermouth or aromatized wines in elevated cocktails. Experts also praise its “harmonious interplay of fruit and botanicals,” calling it one of Luxardo’s most versatile modern offerings.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A bright opening of orange zest and citrus peel layered over cherry-wine fruit, floral aromatics, dried herbs, subtle spice, and a gentle bitter undercurrent.

Palate:
Smooth and bittersweet with a rich blend of cherry, citrus, dandelion and burdock-like herbals, mild baking spice, and botanical depth. Balanced sweetness gives way to elegant bitterness.

Finish:
Long, aromatic, and gently dry with lingering citrus oil, herbal spice, and a soft echo of dark fruit.

Quick Overview