Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur made from about 70 herbs including saffron, mint, and fennel. Produced in Benevento since 1860, it has a distinctive yellow color and 40% alcohol content.
How it is made
Strega is produced using approximately 70 herbal ingredients, including saffron which gives it its characteristic yellow color. The liqueur contains mint and fennel among its ingredients, resulting in a complex flavor profile with minty and coniferous notes.
History
Strega was developed in 1860 by Carmine Vincenzo Alberti and his son Giuseppe Alberti. The company received a royal warrant of appointment to the Italian King. The name 'Strega' means 'witch' in Italian, connecting to legends of witchcraft in Benevento that date back to the Lombard invasion.
How it is served
Strega is typically served as a digestif after meals. It is also used as a flavoring in torta caprese, a type of Italian cake. The liqueur can be enjoyed neat or used in cocktails such as El Bizzcoti, Tessmanian Devil, The Engines That Could, the Bruja Smash, the Tolerance Foundation, and Witch's Apple.