There is an all-Italian saying that goes: “andare in brodo di giuggiole” , meaning to be in seventh heaven, filled with joy. But how many people know that this saying comes from a real delight to be savored? We are talking about brodo di giuggiole , an ancient, sweet and fragrant liqueur that has its roots in Arquà Petrarca , one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

What is jujube broth?

Jujube broth is a handcrafted liqueur obtained from the long maceration of jujubes , small fruits similar to dates, sweet and soft, typical of the Euganean Hills. At the base there are:

Ripe jujubes

Quinces

Pomegranates

Red wine

Alcohol, spices and sugar

The result is an amber-colored infusion, with a dense, enveloping and slightly spicy flavor. Perfect to serve at the end of a meal, perhaps fresh in summer or slightly warm in winter.

Origins and tradition

Jujubes are ancient fruits, already known to the Romans. In Arquà Petrarca they have found an ideal microclimate and a tradition that has transformed them into a true local excellence. Each family once kept its own secret recipe , and even today the versions of the broth can vary slightly depending on who produces it.

Since ancient times, the name “brodo di giuggiole” has evoked something so delicious that it makes one “lose one’s head” — hence the figurative meaning of the expression.

Where to taste it in Arquà Petrarca

Walking through the cobbled streets of the village, it is not uncommon to come across workshops and artisan shops that offer jujube broth to taste and buy. Some recommended spots:

La Bottega del Petrarca : offers tastings and gift packages with typical products.

Local farms : They produce the liqueur using traditional methods, often with ingredients grown directly in their own orchards.

The Jujube Festival

Every year, between the end of September and the beginning of October, Arquà Petrarca hosts the Giuggiola Festival , a celebration of the town's symbolic fruit. A unique opportunity to:

Tasting the broth in various versions

Buy jujube jams, sweets and cosmetics

Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of the village with costumed figures, music and shows

A liqueur that is also a souvenir

Jujube broth is much more than a drink: it is a symbol of hospitality, tradition and local identity . Bringing a bottle home means taking away a piece of history and poetry, perhaps to share with those you love.

In conclusion

The jujube broth is a little wonder that is worth the trip to Arquà Petrarca. A rare liqueur, rich in history and flavor, capable of telling in one sip the sweet and authentic soul of the Euganean Hills.

And you, have you ever been “over the moon”? 😉