My Sardinia

In Sardinia, beer, or “birra”, usually comes in a liter or two thirds of a liter. These are respectively refered to as picola and grande. The cheapest and most common of these lager type drinks sold are from the Italian brand Peroni as well as the local Sardinian brand Ichnussa. Both beers are generally considered fine, despite being a bit weaker compared to others.

A bottle of Ichnussa would cost about 2 lira in a restaurant, whila a larger one would cost about 3. If you ever do decide to taste these beers in a restaurant, make sure to ask for the “birra nazionale”. This would ensure you would not be given imported beers, which would tend to cost more. In some restaurants and bars, and in the “birrarias” (a term literally meaning beer shops), you also have the option to try the draught beer or the “birra alla spina”. Keep in mind though that these beers are measure for measure more expensive than bottled beers.

There are also some places wherein you can try the locally brewed dark beers. The birra nerra, birra nossa or the birra scura carry with it a much maltier taste and of course a darker color than ordinary beers. This does not, however, entail that the dark beers are the strongest among their beers.

When ordering spirits, you can ask for any sort of alcoholic drink by their usual names with the glaring exception for brandy. When ordering brandy, either ask for cognac or order a specific brand. Brands like Stock and Vecchia Romagna are considered to be the best. If you have a thirst for the cheaper spirits, like their beers, ask for the nazionale. Each shot would cost about 1 or 2 lira.

The favorite liqeur in Sardiniais the mirto. It is made from the leaves and berries of the wild myrtle. It is ideally served chilled, and many people prefer it red than white. There are also varieties of “amari” or “bitters” to choose from. These drinks are usually enjoyed along with or as an alternative to coffee. These bitters, incidentally, don’t taste bitter at all, and has a medicinal taste to it. It is enjoyed after meals to aid digestion. While there are several brands of “amari”, the most popular one is Averna.

Other well liked strong drinks ainclude the grappa di mirto, File Ferru and the sambuca. The grappa di mirto is a concoction that is almost purely alcohol and made from distilled myrtle husks. The File Ferru is considered to be a fiery version of the grappa. The sambuca is aniseed liqeur, served with one or two coffee beans and then set on fire. And although not specifically Sardinian in origin, it is pretty much enjoyed by tourists when they visit Sardinia.