Winter is a season that calls for warmth and comfort. It's a time when people want to snuggle up with their loved ones and enjoy the coziness of their homes.
However, sometimes the cold weather can make people feel restless and yearning for something to warm them up. This is where Amaro comes in.
Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur that is made by infusing a variety of herbs, roots, and spices in alcohol.
It is often used as a digestif, but it can also be used in cocktails. Amaro adds a unique flavor and complexity to cocktails that can't be found in any other spirit.
Winter is the perfect time to experiment with Amaro cocktails. The rich, earthy flavors of Amaro pair perfectly with the bold, warming flavors of winter spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
These cocktails are perfect for sipping by the fire, enjoying with friends, or as a special treat after a long day.
In this blog post, we will review some of the best Winter Amaro Cocktail recipes. We will explore the different flavors and ingredients that make these cocktails so special.
Whether you're a seasoned bartender or a novice mixologist, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and keep you warm all winter long. So, grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
1. Busted Pipe
If you're looking for a winter cocktail that's both sweet and bitter, the Busted Pipe Amaro Cocktail is a must-try. This warming drink is perfect for sipping during the colder months, and it's a fun twist on classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Paper Plane.
The cocktail is made with equal parts amaro and bourbon, and it's garnished with a cherry and lemon peel. The large ice cube takes this cocktail to another level, making it a great addition to any low-key dinner party. Overall, the Busted Pipe Amaro Cocktail is a strong and easy-to-sip drink that's perfect for anyone who loves amaro or bourbon.
2. Mele Kalikimaka Cocktail
The Mele Kalikimaka Cocktail is a tiki-inspired spiced rum and amaro concoction that is perfect for the winter season. The cocktail is named after the Hawaiian way of saying "Merry Christmas," and it is made with Merrymeeting Spiced Rum from Three of Strong Spirits and Amaro Amorino from Letterpress Distillery.
The addition of Hella Aromatic Bitters adds a finishing touch of clove and allspice to the mix. The cocktail is shaken with fruit juices and infused with cinnamon and ginger simple syrups, which give it a bittersweet and spicy flavor. The Mele Kalikimaka Cocktail is a unique and flavorful drink that is sure to impress your guests during the holiday season.
3. Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria
The Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria is a perfect winter cocktail infused with Amaro Lucano, an Italian aperitif made with over 30 herbs. The cocktail is bursting with fall and winter fruits like blackberries, figs, and blood oranges, which add a complex depth of flavor to the drink.
The Amaro Lucano adds subtle bitter notes that mingle harmoniously with sweet figs and tart blackberries. The Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria is an easy peasy drink to mix up for your party a day ahead, and it's a must-try winter cocktail that will leave your guests wanting more.
4. Bloody Sidecar
If you're looking for a unique and tasty Winter Amaro Cocktail, the "Bloody Sidecar" is definitely worth trying. This cocktail features Amara Amaro, a new Amaro product infused with blood orange, which gives it a distinct citrus flavor that sets it apart from other Amari.
The cocktail also includes brandy, fresh blood orange juice, and lemon juice, which all come together to create a tart and refreshing drink. The importance of shaking the cocktail is emphasized, as it helps to blend the flavors and create a smooth texture. Overall, the "Bloody Sidecar" is a great option for those looking to try something new and exciting in the world of Amaro cocktails.
5. The Black Manhattan Cocktail
The Black Manhattan Cocktail is a sophisticated and flavorful twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. This cocktail features bittersweet Averna amaro replacing the sweet vermouth, creating a more complex and bitter-sweet flavor profile. Whether you prefer bourbon or rye, this cocktail is perfect for fall with its spicy notes and warming effects.
Created by Todd Smith, a bartender at the renowned Bourbon & Branch bar in San Francisco, this cocktail is a great way to branch out from your usual go-to drink. The Black Manhattan is a perfect choice for a cozy night in, sipping and savoring the balance and notes of the cocktail. This is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a sophisticated and grown-up drink that is easy to make.
6. Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe
The Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe is a delightful twist on the classic G&T, perfect for the winter season. The addition of sloe gin and Campari gives the drink a warming hue and a wintery edge to the flavor, while the touch of elderflower adds a hint of summer. Despite the presence of Campari, the cocktail is not bitter at all, thanks to the mere splash used in the recipe.
The delicate orange twists used to garnish the drink are easy to make and add a touch of elegance to the presentation. If you're looking for a cozy and refreshing cocktail to enjoy during the colder months, the Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe is definitely worth a try.
7. Toronto Cocktail
The Toronto Cocktail is a sophisticated and complex drink that is perfect for whiskey lovers. It is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring rye whiskey and Fernet-Branca, an Italian bitter liqueur made with a blend of herbs and spices. The cocktail has a rich and earthy flavor, with a subtle bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the whiskey.
While it may not be for everyone, the Toronto Cocktail is a must-try for those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail with a unique flavor profile. So, if you're looking for a Winter Amaro Cocktail recipe that will impress your guests, give the Toronto Cocktail a try.
8. The Clove and Cider
"The Clove and Cider" is a perfect winter cocktail that embraces the flavors of fall. This bourbon-based drink features fresh apple cider, a hint of lemon, and a homemade clove simple syrup that adds a touch of baking spices.
The cocktail is then smoked with a cinnamon stick, which adds a smoky flavor and an aromatic quality to the drink. The result is a sophisticated and complex sip that is perfect for sipping around a bonfire in the evening. If you're looking for a cozy and flavorful winter cocktail, "The Clove and Cider" is a must-try.
9. Fall Rye Whiskey Cocktail – But I’m Not Bitter
The Fall Rye Whiskey Cocktail – But I’m Not Bitter is a spicy and full-bodied cocktail made with Wilderness Trail rye and Montenegro Amaro, a sweet and floral bitter liqueur.
The addition of chai spice-infused simple syrup ties everything together. This easy-to-batch cocktail is perfect for winter and can be garnished with a dried orange, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
10. Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane Cocktail is a modern classic that has taken the cocktail world by storm. Created by New York bartender Sam Ross, this cocktail is a perfect blend of bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice. It's a citrusy, smooth, and well-balanced cocktail with a pronounced bitterness and subtle sweetness from both the amaro and Aperol.
The cocktail has a unique lighter color and profile compared to darker amaro, which makes it stand out from other winter cocktails. The Paper Plane Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and unique winter cocktail experience.
11. Brooklyn Cocktail
The Brooklyn Cocktail is a classic twist on the Manhattan, with a drier and less sweet taste. It uses rye whiskey and dry vermouth, along with a hint of maraschino liqueur for a tart and dry flavor. Traditionally, it also calls for Amer Picon, a bitter orange liqueur that's hard to find these days.
However, many bartenders have come up with their own versions using other amari and orange bitters. While the original recipe may be hard to replicate, the Brooklyn Cocktail is a must-try for those who enjoy a good cocktail with a complex flavor profile.
12. The Recap
"The Recap" is a delightful winter amaro cocktail that combines the rich and fruity notes of Fonseca Port with the herbal and spicy flavors of Italian amaro. The addition of mint simple syrup and fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing twist to the cocktail, while a spritz of club soda gives it a celebratory fizz.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to celebrate the past year while looking forward to the future. The Recap is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious winter amaro cocktail.
13. Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail
The Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect winter cocktail that will warm you up on a cold evening. It's a delightful blend of bourbon, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and star anise that creates a cozy and sippable drink. The cocktail has a hygge vibe that makes it perfect for Christmas or any winter evening.
The strength of the cocktail is balanced with bitterness, which makes it sophisticated and not just another themed cocktail. The use of handcrafted, grain-to-glass organic spirits and accompaniments from Split Rock Distilling and Royal Rose Syrups adds a unique and local touch to the cocktail. Overall, the Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try winter cocktail that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
