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Luxardo, an Italian liqueur company, announced the launch of Luxardo Decaf Espresso Liqueur in San Francisco on June 8, 2026. The product is available exclusively in the U.S. and removes caffeine from traditional espresso cocktails while maintaining the same bold espresso flavor. It was crafted using decaffeinated Arabica beans from Brazil, Vietnam, and Uganda, roasted and infused over 25 days to replicate a freshly pulled espresso shot.
I’m writing this column from a trade‑focused perspective on how Lux ardo’s latest launch of a decaf espresso liqueur reshapes the U.S. spirits landscape. The brand, steeped in more than 200 years of Italian heritage, has entered a niche few competitors occupy: an almost caffeine‑free espresso‑based spirit available only in the United States and sold through a handful of premium retailers.
Its core appeal lies in its caffeine content—just 0.4 mg per ounce, about 0.3 % of the 137 mg found in Lux ardo’s regular espresso liqueur—so it delivers virtually no buzz. That feature can attract bars looking for an after‑evening cocktail that won’t interfere with sleep. Espresso martinis account for roughly 15 % of on‑premise cocktail orders in U.S. venues, so a decaf alternative could capture late‑night traffic otherwise lost to caffeinated options.
The distribution strategy underscores its niche status. Lux ardo has made it clear the decaf liqueur is U.S.‑only and does not appear through normal wholesale channels; it shows up only in select outlets such as BevMo!, Total Wine & More, Eataly, and online via the brand’s own site. Operators who rely on a broad retail footprint will see this limited availability as an indicator that the SKU should be treated as a high‑margin specialty item rather than a mass‑market driver. Distributors must gauge demand carefully; without widespread placement they cannot bank on volume growth and need to focus on targeted promotion and bartender education for decaf espresso martinis or other nighttime cocktails.
Pricing highlights its premium stance. The 750 ml bottle retails at $29.99, an elevated price point that reflects both Lux ardo’s heritage and the added value of a near‑caffeine‑free profile. Compared with the flagship espresso liqueur—priced lower—the decaf version carries a significant premium. Operators can expect tighter margins but potentially higher per‑unit profit if they secure a loyal customer base.
From an operational standpoint, the 25‑day infusion of decaffeinated Arabica beans sourced from Brazil, Vietnam, and Uganda signals a deliberate commitment to quality. This aligns with Lux ardo’s focus on meticulous craftsmanship, reassuring operators that the product will meet the high standards expected by discerning patrons. Limited distribution also means that any supply‑chain hiccup—whether due to sourcing constraints or logistics—could disproportionately affect availability.
The decaf espresso liqueur is a calculated move into an underserved niche. It offers a near‑caffeine‑free alternative for late‑night cocktails, carries a premium price that signals quality, and relies on selective retail placement to maintain exclusivity. Operators should position the SKU as a specialty, high‑margin product for cocktail‑savvy venues; distributors should prioritize targeted promotion over volume growth. The fact that it delivers only 0.4 mg of caffeine per ounce underscores its unique positioning in a market where espresso martinis still dominate 15 % of on‑premise orders.
Original Press Release
Authentic Italian espresso liqueur, now without the caffeine, unlocking new ways to enjoy espresso cocktails day or night without compromising flavor.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2026 — Luxardo, Italy’s premier liqueur and maraschino cherry house with more than 200 years of heritage, today announced the launch of Luxardo Decaf Espresso Liqueur, a first-of-its-kind innovation that expands how and when espresso cocktails can be enjoyed. Launching exclusively in the U.S., the decaf liqueur removes caffeine from traditional espresso cocktails, unlocking new occasions for espresso cocktails and new avenues for cocktailing.
Following the success of Luxardo’s best-selling Espresso Liqueur, this decaf expression delivers the same bold, authentic espresso flavor and uncompromising Luxardo quality without the caffeine. This innovation addresses the growing modern demand for flexibility and mindful consumption, allowing cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders to enjoy the full espresso ritual while maintaining complete control over their experience, where few options previously existed.
Crafted in the Italian tradition, the liqueur reflects seven generations of Luxardo expertise and is produced following a meticulous, multi-step process. Decaffeinated Arabica beans sourced from Brazil, Vietnam, and Uganda are roasted, ground, and infused over 25 days to replicate a freshly pulled espresso shot, extracting essential oils and body, resulting in an authentic espresso-forward profile with notes of cocoa, subtle sweetness, a medium body, and a smooth, balanced finish.
“Espresso is not simply a flavor profile. It is one of the most defining expressions of Italian culture. Our responsibility as a family producer is to preserve that authenticity in everything we create,” said Matteo Luxardo, global export director at Luxardo. “Innovation is never about moving away from tradition; it’s about finding new ways to express it. Creating a decaffeinated version of our espresso liqueur allowed us to stay true to tradition and our quality standards while expanding the ways people can enjoy espresso cocktails to their liking in a modern context.”
Designed for both professional bars and home bar carts, Luxardo Decaf Espresso Liqueur enables a wide range of cocktails, from classics like the Espresso Martini to lighter, modern serves such as the Espresso Tonic. The decaf expression has a true-to-origin Italian profile and unique versatility that allows bartenders and at-home enthusiasts to create consistent, elevated cocktails without the need for fresh espresso.
“For years, espresso cocktails have been one of the most in-demand serves on menus, but there has never been a true decaf solution behind the bar. As consumers increasingly seek to extend café-style moments into the evening without the effects of caffeine, the decaf liqueur provides a cocktail-ready solution,” said Brian Radics, chief marketing officer at Hotaling & Co. “Espresso Liqueur has been the fastest-growing product in the U.S. Luxardo portfolio. We believe consumers and bartenders will respond similarly to our new decaf offering and embrace decaf cocktails as part of their cocktail programs and at-home occasions.”
Imported by Hotaling & Co., Luxardo Decaf Espresso Liqueur contains just 0.4 milligrams of caffeine per ounce and is bottled at 27% ABV. The liqueur opens with aromas of lightly roasted espresso and cocoa, followed by a bright palate with gentle sweetness and a smooth, clean finish with hints of caramelized sugar and subtle citrus. It is an all-natural liqueur with no added coloring agents and is the latest innovation in Luxardo's growing portfolio.
Luxardo Decaf Espresso Liqueur has a suggested retail price of $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle and is available at select retailers including BevMo!, Total Wine & More, and Eataly, as well as on-premise accounts and online at luxardousa.com or shop.hotalingandco.com.
To find a bottle near you, discover cocktail recipes, and learn more, visit luxardousa.com, or follow on Instagram @luxardousa.
Sources consulted (web research):
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Source: BevNET