As a bartender, I've always been fascinated by the world of Amaro. This Italian liqueur is a complex blend of herbs, spices, and other botanicals, which makes it a versatile ingredient in cocktails.
It's no surprise that Amaro has become increasingly popular in recent years, with bartenders and mixologists incorporating it into their creations.
Amaro is more than just a liqueur; it's a cultural phenomenon that's been around for centuries. The word "Amaro" means "bitter" in Italian, which is an accurate description of its taste.
But don't let that put you off. Amaro's bitterness is what makes it so unique and appealing. It's a flavor that's hard to describe but can be addictive once you get a taste for it.
There are many different types of Amaro, each with its own distinct flavor profile. Some are sweet and spicy, while others are more bitter and herbal.
The best Amaro cocktails are those that take advantage of these unique flavors and blend them with other ingredients to create a delicious and balanced drink.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of the best Amaro Cocktail recipes that I've come across during my time as a bartender. From classic cocktails to modern twists, there's something for everyone.
So, whether you're an Amaro aficionado or a curious cocktail enthusiast, read on to discover some of the most delicious and intriguing Amaro cocktails out there.
1. Ford Cocktail
The Ford Cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been around since the late 1800s. It is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that highlights the complex flavors of amaro. The cocktail features gin, dry vermouth, and a dash of two different types of amaro, making it a perfect balance of bitter and sweet.
The Ford Cocktail is a great choice for those who want to explore the world of amaro cocktails without being overwhelmed by too many ingredients. It's a perfect cocktail for any occasion, whether you're sipping it after dinner or enjoying it with friends. If you're looking for a classic cocktail that is both delicious and easy to make, the Ford Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
2. Averna Limonata
Averna Limonata is a refreshing and easy-to-make low-abv cocktail with a bold cola-like flavor. Made with just two ingredients, Averna Amaro and a high-quality lemon soda, it's sweet, nuanced, and perfect for a summer day.
Averna Amaro is a bitter-sweet elixir made with bitter roots, barks, herbs, flowers, and citrus peels, and is a great addition to rum and whiskey-based cocktails. If you can't find Averna Amaro, try substitutes such as Amaro Ramazzotti or Amaro Montenegro. To make this cocktail, use a high-quality lemon soda that's bubbly and sweet, such as San Pellegrino Limonata.
3. Italian Amaro Cocktail
The Italian Amaro Cocktail is a refreshing and complex drink that combines the bitter flavors of Averna Amaro with the sweetness of gin and the spiciness of ginger beer.
This cocktail is perfect for those hot summer days and is easy to make at home. The combination of flavors is unique and refreshing, making it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their cocktail repertoire.
4. Amaro Spritz
The Amaro Spritz is a delightful Italian cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It is a light and refreshing drink that is less bitter than the classic Aperol Spritz. The combination of Amaro's herbal and sweet notes with Prosecco creates a complex and delicious taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
This cocktail is super simple to make with just three ingredients: Prosecco, Amaro, and club soda. The Amaro Spritz is perfect for those who enjoy Aperol or Campari Spritz and want to try something new. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail, the Amaro Spritz is definitely worth a try.
5. Amaro Cocktail
The Amaro Cocktail is a herbaceous Italian liqueur with a secret ingredient list that has been made for centuries for digestive purposes. It is a simple presentation of Amaro on the rocks, making it an easy and accessible drink for anyone to try.
The cocktail is perfect for those who want to calm their stomachs and digestive systems after indulging in large portions of rich foods. The Amaro Cocktail is a great addition to any bar and is sure to impress your guests.
6. Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria
The Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria is a unique and flavorful cocktail that features Amaro Lucano, adding a complex depth of flavor not often found in traditional sangrias. Infused with blackberries, figs, and blood orange, this cocktail is perfect for those looking for a lower ABV drink to serve at holiday parties.
The bittersweet Amaro Lucano blends harmoniously with the sweet figs and tart blackberries, while fresh apple juice adds a natural sweetness that requires no added sugar. Finished with a touch of fresh thyme, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
7. Bloody Sidecar
The Bloody Sidecar is a unique twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, featuring the Amara Amaro with its Blood Orange infusion. This Amaro stands out from the rest with its bright and natural citrus flavour, making it a perfect substitute for Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Cointreau in various cocktail recipes.
The cocktail is made with a quality Brandy base, Amara Amaro, fresh Blood Orange juice, and lemon juice. The key to this cocktail is a vigorous shake to ensure the perfect balance of flavours. The result is a tart and refreshing cocktail with a hint of warming spices from the Brandy. The Bloody Sidecar is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and flavourful Amaro cocktail.
8. The Morning Addition
Looking for a unique and flavorful way to start your day? Look no further than "The Morning Addition," a coffee amaro cocktail that is sure to perk you up. This cocktail combines the bitterness of cold-brew coffee with the sweetness and spice of Averna amaro, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying drink.
The addition of dairy and orange bitters adds even more depth and complexity to the flavor profile. While many amaro cocktails can be difficult to find the ingredients for, Averna is widely available and easy to work with. Give "The Morning Addition" a try and start your day off on the right foot.
9. Amaro Boulevard
Amaro Boulevard is a twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail, made with Rye Whiskey, Amaro Nonino, and Vermouth. The Amaro Nonino, a classic bitter liqueur, is the star of the show in this cocktail, offering a perfect balance of bitter, herbs, sweetness, and body.
The addition of Rye Whiskey adds a touch of spice and heat, while the vermouth brings a bit of weight to the cocktail. The cocktail is perfect for those who love bitter-sweet cocktails and are looking for a unique twist on a classic drink. If you're a fan of Amaro Nonino or looking to try something new, the Amaro Boulevard is a must-try cocktail.
10. Bitter Heartbreak
Bitter Heartbreak is a Valentine's Day cocktail that will make you fall in love with Amaro cocktails. This cocktail is made with a Cinnamon Hearts infused syrup, Rye whiskey, Cynar, and grapefruit juice. The cinnamon rim adds a festive touch, and the egg white foam gives it a luxurious texture.
The combination of the bitter Cynar and the sweet cinnamon syrup creates a perfect balance of flavors. The Rye whiskey adds a warm and spicy note to the cocktail, while the grapefruit juice adds a refreshing citrusy flavor. Overall, Bitter Heartbreak is a complex and sophisticated cocktail that will impress any Amaro lover.
11. Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a modern twist on a classic cocktail that is sure to impress any adventurous home bartender. This sophisticated and complex drink swaps out sweet vermouth for an Italian amaro called Averna, which gives it a unique caramel and chocolate finish.
The use of bourbon instead of rye whiskey adds a sweeter flavor to the drink, while the addition of Luxardo cherry and bitters round out the flavors and complexity. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a special occasion or as a nightcap. If you're a fan of the classic Manhattan, you'll love this funky spin on the recipe.
12. The Italian American
"The Italian American" is a delicious Amaro Montenegro cocktail that combines American bourbon with two classic Italian bitter liqueurs, Amaro Montenegro and Campari.
A splash of maple syrup and lemon juice adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to this robust cocktail, making it a mellow yet slightly bitter short libation. The combination of bourbon and Italian liqueurs creates a well-rounded and simply delicious drink that is perfect for sipping on a cozy evening.
13. Witty Comeback
The Witty Comeback is a must-try Amaro cocktail for those who love a little bit of spice in their drinks. Made with rye whiskey, Luxardo Maraschino, Averna Amaro, ginger simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and orange bitters, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
The ginger simple syrup adds a subtle kick to the drink, while the orange bitters give it a refreshing finish. It's a great cocktail to enjoy on a cozy night in or to impress your guests at a dinner party. Trust us, one sip of the Witty Comeback and you'll be hooked.
14. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist, this cocktail is simple yet sophisticated. What sets the Old Fashioned apart is the use of bitters, which add a complex depth of flavor to the drink.
The exact recipe may vary, but the result is always a smooth and satisfying sip. If you're looking for a cocktail with a rich history and a timeless appeal, the Old Fashioned is a must-try.
15. Averna Spritz
The Averna Spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with Averna, a popular Italian amaro, this cocktail is a great way to enjoy the bittersweet flavor of this liqueur. The Averna Spritz is a simple cocktail that is made by mixing Averna with soda water and garnishing with a slice of orange.
The result is a light and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The Averna Spritz is a great way to enjoy the unique flavor of Averna and is sure to become a favorite among amaro lovers. So if you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, be sure to give the Averna Spritz a try.
16. Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane Cocktail is a must-try for those who love a strong and deliciously addictive drink. It's made with equal parts of bourbon, amaro, and Aperol, creating a perfect harmony between bitter, sour, and herbal notes. This cocktail is named after the M.I.A track “Paper Planes” and was developed in 2008 for the Violet Hour bar in Chicago.
The amaro used in this cocktail is Amaro Nonino, which was invented in 1992 and infused with herbs, fruits, and botanicals, giving it a unique flavor profile of orange, honey, vanilla, licorice, allspice, mango, pepper, and cocoa.
