Amaro means bitter in Italian, and bitterness is definitely what we'd consider a grown-up taste. When we're young we're pre-disposed to sweet, and we can't bear bitterness on our tongues. However, most of us grow to appreciate bitter things gradually, moving up from dark chocolate and coffee to radicchio and broccoli raab as we mature.

An amaro is also the name for Italian liqueur—bitter, of course—that's traditionally sipped after dinner as a digestivo. Although Italy is not the only country in Europe to develop this beloved custom, our fascination with Italian food and drink is what has shone the light on it for Americans.