Cicchetto Liquori: Canadian made, Italian inspired
Salute.
Cicchetto Liquori’s story began in 2020, when pandemic layoffs pushed Loris Murru to rethink his future. A seasoned, globe-trotting bartender, he felt lost and confused, and he sought advice from his parents, who live in Italy, about next his steps. “You know how to make drinks well, so make a drink and sell it,” they said. Empowered, he attended a small gathering soon after where he met the veteran Michelin-trained chef Giacomo Pasquini. After Pasquini offered him a special liqueur shot, reminiscent of a family recipe from Sardinia, the two bonded over their shared love of food, drink, and family traditions inspired by their Italian roots. Talks of a business collaboration quickly gained traction, and after countless trials and tastings sessions, Cicchetto Liquori launched in 2021. “Seeing raw ingredients being transformed into delicious beverages is what I have always lived for,” Murru says. “We feel strongly that we’ve brought the flavours of the old country to Canada,” Pasquini adds.
Two months before launching, Loris and Giacomo still hadn’t come up with a name for their company. When a friend had asked for a “cicchetto” of their liqueur over dinner, it was lightning in a bottle, so to speak. In Italian, cicchetto (pronounced “chi-keh-toe”) is used to order a shot of liquor, making it a perfect fit for the brand’s authenticity and the way their products are meant to be enjoyed: savoured one sip at a time.
Today, the duo’s lineup features six irresistible varieties, each one likely to inspire more than just one pour. At 26 per cent ABV, Cicchetto Limone offers a vibrant and zesty daffodil-coloured sip. Crafted from organic, hand-harvested Italian lemons, organic sugar, pure spring water, and a neutral grain spirit distilled in Canada, it’s enjoyed neat and chilled. Cicchetto Mandarino follows the same meticulous production methods and offers a bright, fragrant, and refreshing burst of mandarin, while Cicchetto Nocino is made from 100 per cent Canadian products, including Niagara’s finest hand-harvested green walnuts and blend of warming spices. Bitter yet sweet, this artisanal liqueur is known for its beneficial digestive benefits, enjoyed neat or drizzled over ice cream.
Crafted from a blend of many botanicals, amber-hued Cicchetto Amaro York is an award-winning, richly aromatic spirit that features a combination of dried citrus peel, cinnamon, peppermint, rhubarb root, and organic Canadian maple syrup. Rounding out the Cicchetto lineup are two tonic spritzes—Limone and Pompelmo—each delivering a bold, crisp, and citrusy sip that captures the spirit of Italian refreshment. “We are committed to purity, and use no chemical aromas or artificial additives. It’s what gives our products their natural, layered and authentic flavour profile,” Pasquini says.
The philosophy behind each batch is simple: it’s born from a desire to deliver a diverse range of products that reflect old-world artistry and modern refinement. Each liqueur starts with an idea, inspired by a memory the duo wants to capture and make into a distinct and memorable flavour profile. “For us, it is not just about making liqueurs, it’s about crafting something that tells a story, something that connects people to a place, a memory, or a feeling,” Pasquini says. Sourcing ingredients that reflect their collective vision is integral, so testing isn’t taken lightly. But it goes beyond finalizing a recipe. Both share an uncompromising passion for ensuring each step of the production process is executed precisely from start to finish, which includes storytelling through the packaging and labelling of each bottle. “Cicchetto is more than drinks—it is an invitation to savour the moment, embrace tradition, and discover something exceptional in every sip,” Murru says.
New Cicchetto products are in the works, including Cicchetto Arancia Rossa, made from imported organic Italian blood oranges and vermouth using local wine blends. While innovation is a natural part of growth, Murru and Pasquini remain dedicated to crafting products traditionally, preserving and promoting Italian craftsmanship. “We hope Cicchetto serves as a bridge between generations, cultures, and places,” Pasquini says.
