Strega

Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur that originated in the early twentieth century in Benevento, a city in the Campania region. The name, which translates as “witch” in Italian, alludes to the town’s historic reputation for folklore involving witchcraft and the famous “Strega” witch trials of the 16th century. The spirit is produced by the company Fratelli Dandolo, now owned by the Campari Group, and is distinguished by its bright yellow color and a secret blend of about 70 herbs, spices, and botanicals, the principal ingredient being the bitter-sweet flavor of the antica sisamo (saffron) and mint, with a noticeable note of anise.

Strega is made by macerating the selected botanicals in a neutral alcohol base for several weeks, followed by a slow distillation process. The resulting spirit is aged in wooden casks for a minimum of two months, which contributes to its smoothness and complex aromatic profile. The final product has an alcohol by volume of 40 % and is typically served neat, on the rocks, or as a component in classic cocktails such as the “Strega Sour” and the “Negroni Sbagliato”. Its distinctive flavor also makes it a popular ingredient in contemporary mixology and culinary applications, including desserts and sauces.

Since its debut in 1860, Strega has maintained a strong cultural presence in Italy, symbolizing regional identity and tradition. The brand’s iconic bottle, shaped like a witch’s hat, reinforces the mythic connection, while annual advertising campaigns have contributed to its status as one of Italy’s most recognizable liqueurs.