If there’s one sip that captures the rugged beauty and ancient soul of Sardinia, it’s Mirto—the deep purple, sweet-bitter liqueur made from wild myrtle berries. A beloved digestivo across Sardinia and parts of Corsica, Mirto isn’t just a drink; it’s a taste of Mediterranean tradition, passed down through generations.

Whether you’re enjoying it in a small seaside town or making your own at home, Mirto offers a unique journey into the heart of Sardinian culture—one glass at a time.

What is Mirto?

Mirto (pronounced MEER-toh) is a traditional Italian liqueur made by macerating myrtle berries (Myrtus communis) in alcohol and sweetening the infusion with sugar or honey. The berries, which grow wild throughout Sardinia, give Mirto its distinctive flavor: sweet, herbal, resinous, and slightly bitter.

There are two main types:

Mirto Rosso (Red Mirto) – Made from ripe myrtle berries, intensely fruity and aromatic.

Mirto Bianco (White Mirto) – Made from myrtle leaves or unripe white berries, more herbal and dry.

Mirto is most commonly served ice-cold after meals as a digestif.

🌿 The Legend of Myrtle in Sardinia

Myrtle has been used on the island since ancient Nuragic times for its medicinal and aromatic properties. The liqueur itself likely dates back to the 19th century, when families began macerating berries in homemade spirits to preserve their flavor and health benefits.

Today, Mirto is one of Sardinia’s most cherished cultural symbols.

🍷 Homemade Mirto Recipe (Mirto Rosso)

Making Mirto at home is a beautiful, slow process that honors tradition. You’ll need fresh or frozen myrtle berries, which can sometimes be found in specialty herb stores or online.

🧾 Ingredients:

500 g ripe myrtle berries (fresh or frozen)

750 ml pure alcohol (95% or neutral vodka)

400–500 ml water

300–400 g sugar (adjust to taste)

Optional: lemon zest or juniper berries for added aroma

🧉 Instructions:

🫙 Step 1: Macerate the Berries

Rinse the myrtle berries and gently pat them dry.

Place them in a large glass jar and pour in the alcohol, ensuring all berries are submerged.

Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 30–45 days.

Shake the jar every few days to ensure proper infusion.

🍯 Step 2: Prepare the Syrup

After maceration, strain the alcohol and set aside.

In a pot, combine water and sugar. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Let cool completely.

Mix the syrup with the infused alcohol.

🍷 Step 3: Rest and Bottle

Filter the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer.

Bottle the liqueur and let it rest for at least 1 month in a cool place. The longer it rests, the smoother and rounder the flavor.

🥃 How to Serve Mirto

1. Chilled as a Digestif

Mirto is best served ice-cold in small glasses after a meal. Store it in the freezer and pour straight into frosted shot glasses.

2. In Cocktails

Though traditionally consumed neat, Mirto adds unique depth to cocktails. Try:

🍸 Mirto Spritz

2 oz Mirto

3 oz Prosecco

1 oz soda water

Ice + orange slice

An earthy twist on the classic spritz.

🍹 Wild Negroni

1 oz Mirto

1 oz gin

1 oz sweet vermouth

Stir with ice and strain over rocks. Garnish with rosemary.

🍃 Tips for the Best Homemade Mirto

Use fresh berries for authenticity, but frozen berries also work well.

Adjust the sugar level to your taste—Sardinian Mirto is often moderately sweet.

For a deeper color and taste, extend the maceration time to 60 days.

Add a strip of lemon peel during infusion for a citrus lift.

🧠 Did You Know?

Myrtle berries are rich in essential oils and antioxidants.

Mirto is often gifted during holidays, weddings, and family gatherings in Sardinia.

Some Sardinian families guard their Mirto recipes like family heirlooms.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Deeply rooted in Sardinian soil and soul, Mirto is more than a liqueur—it’s a celebration of wild nature, family, and island heritage. Whether you sip it under the stars in Cagliari or serve your own homemade version to guests, this ruby-red liqueur leaves a lasting impression.

Rich in flavor, tradition, and character—Mirto is Sardinia in a glass.

Salute e benedizioni! 🍷