The name “Montenegro” was chosen as a tribute to a notable historical figure from Montenegro who inspired Montanari to market his liqueur as a “universal remedy for body and mind.”
The history of Amaro Montenegro begins in 1885 in Bologna, Italy, when Stanislao “Stanisław” Montanari, a pharmacist and entrepreneur, developed a recipe for a unique herbal liqueur. Inspired by the rich traditions of Italian herbal medicine, Montanari combined over 40 different herbs, spices, barks, and fruits to create a bittersweet liqueur that was both aromatic and well-balanced in flavor. The name “Montenegro” was chosen as a tribute to a notable historical figure from Montenegro who inspired Montanari to market his liqueur as a “universal remedy for body and mind.”
In the early 20th century, Amaro Montenegro quickly gained popularity in Italy. Especially during the 1920s and 1930s, it became an essential part of Italian aperitif and digestif culture. Its characteristic lightly sweet-bitter flavor and aromatic herbal profile made the liqueur a preferred choice in refined circles, establishing Montenegro as a brand that combines quality with tradition.
Today, Amaro Montenegro is one of the most well-known amari worldwide and a symbol of Italian liqueur craftsmanship. The company, A. Montenegro S.p.A., is part of the Campari Group, which distributes the liqueur globally. In addition to being enjoyed neat over ice, Amaro Montenegro is now widely used in cocktails, enriching both classic and modern bar traditions. The liqueur remains a synonym for Italian lifestyle, quality, and the connection between tradition and contemporary enjoyment culture.
