CONCERTO: THE LIQUEUR FROM TRAMONTI

The Italian name “Concerto”, translated into English “Concert”, derives from the harmony of the ingredients, a melody of tastes, while the recipe for preparing it is strictly secret and has been handed down from generation to generation.

by Annalisa Russo

The “Concerto” is one of the oldest and most requested liqueurs of the Amalfi Coast. It was prepared for the first time by the nuns of the Convent of Pucara, a village belonging to the municipality of Tramonti.
The Italian name “Concerto”, translated into English “Concert”, derives from the harmony of the ingredients: a melody of tastes. Its unique flavour comes from the combination of its ingredients: herbs, spices, barley coffee and espresso.

share this article

Concerto liqueur

The secret recipe

The lemons utilized in the preparation of this liqueur are those from Amalfi Coast or Sorrento, and even today people from Amalfi, Capri, and Sorrento fight for the paternity of this deliciousness.

There are several hypotheses on its origin: some people think it was utilized by fishermen or farmers to help them warm up during the cold winter mornings, meanwhile, other people tell that it was born in a monastic convent. What is certain is that the entrepreneur Massimo Canale from Capri was the first one to officially register the brand "Limoncello" in 1998, proposing his grandmother’s recipe, whose name was Maria Antonia Farace.

Today, the Limoncello is the pride of this territory, full of excellent local ingredients that are used in the preparation of delicious dishes.

It is famous for its digestive properties and sign of hospitality and tradition

Considering the long preparation and the secret recipe, there is nothing better than being on the Amalfi coast to taste it! After having lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants, ask for a little glass of Concerto, known for its digestive properties. It is perfect to be served with ice-cream, coffee and desserts, such as the famous Chocolate aubergines, a traditional dessert for the feast of Assumption in Maiori (whose chocolate sauce, for example, is usually flavoured with the Concerto). Moreover, it is also used in the preparation of sauces for meat and ragù (when you prepare the ragù, you can add the liqueur and simmer until the liquid is reduced). On the Amalfi Coast you will have the opportunity to taste the Concerto (the original one), it is not just any liqueur, it is a sign of hospitality and tradition which should be sipped and tasted slowly savouring its unique flavour. All this and much more is waiting for you on the Amalfi Coast, a treasure trove of wonders even for your palate.

A Concerto bottle is a good idea if you want a souvenir for your friends or relatives.
Although this liqueur is famous for its digestive properties, it is also used to flavor sweets as the famous Chocolate aubergine.