Mirto (liqueur) facts for kids
Mirto is a special kind of liqueur (a sweet alcoholic drink). It is very popular on the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia, Corsica, and Capraia. In the Sardinian language, it's called licòre/-i de murta, and in Corsican, it's known as licòr di mortula.
This drink is made from the myrtle plant. Myrtle grows wild and freely in Sardinia. The liqueur is made by soaking the myrtle berries (and sometimes leaves) in alcohol. This process is called maceration. It helps to pull out the flavors and colors from the plant.
Long ago, people in Sardinia started making this drink. It became a traditional part of their local culture. Over time, the tradition of making Mirto spread to the nearby island of Corsica, where it is also a popular drink today.
Types of Mirto
There are two main types of Mirto liqueur, depending on the kind of myrtle berries used:
- Mirto Rosso: This type is also simply called murta. It is made from the berries of the black myrtle plant. Mirto Rosso is known for being sweet and is the most common type.
- Mirto Bianco: This type is sometimes called murta arba. It is made from the berries of the white myrtle plant. Sometimes, it can also be made from the young leaves of the plant.
See also
In Spanish: Licor de mirto para niños
