elisir

Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore may be the most famous of Italian elixirs, and to this day you can still purchase love potions in some of Italy's historic pharmacies, as well as others that promise to cure what ails you.

Most elixirs today are similar to amari, made with herbs and flowers according to secret recipes, such as the strong herbal Elisir del prete made in Pinerolo, Piedmont, and Elisir d'erbe Barathier (or Amaro Cozie) made in Pomaretto, made with herbs, caramelized sugar and herbs. Both are designated PAT.

Elisir Bordiga is the name of a Piedmont-based company that makes several low alcohol elixirs, with rhubarb, elder flower, black cherry, camomile, or violets, often used in cocktails.