As a bartender, I’ve always been intrigued by the enigmatic world of Amaro. This Italian liqueur is a masterful blend of herbs, spices, and botanicals, making it an adaptable ingredient in crafting unique cocktails. Its rising popularity among bartenders and mixologists is no surprise, as they continually find new ways to incorporate its complex flavor profile into their creations. Beyond being a versatile liqueur, Amaro is a cultural phenomenon with a rich history spanning centuries.
The word ‘Amaro’ translates to ‘bitter’ in Italian, which aptly describes the flavor experience. But don’t let the bitterness deter you – it’s this distinctive trait that sets Amaro apart and makes it an acquired taste once discovered. Amaro’s diverse range of flavors is equally captivating, with some varieties boasting sweet and spicy notes while others take on a more bitter and herbal character.
The key to creating exceptional Amaro cocktails lies in capitalizing on these distinct flavor profiles and harmoniously blending them with other ingredients to produce well-balanced drinks. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of the most impressive Amaro cocktail recipes I’ve encountered during my time as a bartender – from timeless classics to innovative twists.
Whether you’re an Amaro aficionado or simply curious about the world of cocktails, read on to uncover some of the most alluring and intriguing Amaro creations out there.
Ford Cocktail
Since its inception in the late 1800s, The Ford Cocktail has remained a timeless favorite among mixology enthusiasts. This elegant drink showcases the versatility of amaro, striking a perfect balance between bitter and sweet notes through its harmonious blend of gin, dry vermouth, and two distinct types of amaro. The result is a refreshingly simple yet sophisticated cocktail that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The Ford Cocktail is an ideal choice for those seeking to dip their toes into the world of amaro-based cocktails without feeling overwhelmed by complex ingredient combinations. Its understated elegance makes it suitable for any occasion, whether you’re looking to unwind with a post-dinner drink or share it with friends over a casual gathering.
If you’re on the hunt for a classic cocktail that’s both easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying, The Ford Cocktail is definitely worth adding to your repertoire.
Averna Limonata
Averna Limonata is a revitalizing low-ABV cocktail that combines the bold flavors of cola with the subtle sweetness of lemon. This refreshing drink requires only two ingredients: Averna Amaro and high-quality lemon soda. The result is a nuanced blend of sweet and bitter notes, perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. Averna Amaro itself is an intriguing elixir, crafted from a blend of bitter roots, barks, herbs, flowers, and citrus peels.
It pairs particularly well with rum- or whiskey-based cocktails. If you can’t find Averna Amaro, alternatives like Amaro Ramazzotti or Amaro Montenegro will also work nicely. To craft this cocktail, select a high-quality lemon soda that’s both bubbly and sweet, such as San Pellegrino Limonata. Simply combine the two ingredients in a glass filled with ice, stir gently to combine, and enjoy.
Italian Amaro Cocktail
Experience the harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and spicy in the Italian Amaro Cocktail, a refreshing drink that’s perfect for sizzling summer days. This complex concoction brings together Averna Amaro’s bold bitterness, the smoothness of gin, and the invigorating zing of ginger beer. With its unique flavor profile, this cocktail is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their mixology skills.
Amaro Spritz
The Amaro Spritz, an Italian gem, boasts a refreshing and complex flavor profile that makes it an ideal choice for any gathering. Unlike its more bitter counterpart, Aperol Spritz, this delightful concoction offers a lighter, sweeter taste experience. The harmonious blend of Prosecco’s crispness, Amaro’s herbal nuances, and the subtle fizz of club soda results in a truly alluring drink that will leave you craving another sip.
What sets the Amaro Spritz apart is its simplicity – just three ingredients are required: Prosecco, Amaro, and club soda. This makes it an excellent option for those who enjoy Aperol or Campari Spritz but are looking to mix things up. If you’re seeking a unique and flavorful cocktail that’s sure to impress, the Amaro Spritz is definitely worth a try.
Amaro Cocktail
For centuries, the Amaro Cocktail has been a beloved Italian liqueur, prized for its herbaceous flavor and purported digestive benefits. Its secret ingredient list remains just that – a closely guarded secret. But what’s not mysterious is how easy it is to enjoy this timeless drink. Simply pour the Amaro over ice and voila! A low-fuss, high-reward cocktail that’s perfect for those looking to soothe their stomachs after a rich meal or special occasion.
As a versatile addition to any bar, the Amaro Cocktail is sure to delight your guests and become a staple in your own cocktail repertoire.
Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria
Imagine sipping on a refreshing and complex Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria at your holiday party. This unique cocktail combines the bold flavors of Amaro Lucano with sweet and tart notes from blackberries and blood oranges, and finishes with a hint of fresh thyme. The lower ABV makes it an excellent choice for those looking to serve a crowd without overpowering their senses.
By blending the bittersweet Amaro Lucano with the sweetness of figs and the natural sweetness of apple juice, this cocktail is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Bloody Sidecar
The Bloody Sidecar is an innovative take on the timeless Sidecar cocktail, elevating it with the bold Blood Orange infusion of Amara Amaro. This standout Amaro offers a vibrant, natural citrus flavor profile, making it an excellent substitute for Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Cointreau in various recipes. A harmonious blend of quality Brandy, Amara Amaro, fresh Blood Orange juice, and lemon juice is shaken vigorously to achieve the ideal balance of flavors.
The result is a revitalizing cocktail with a subtle warmth from the Brandy, showcasing a perfect marriage of sweet and tart notes.
The Morning Addition
Kick-start your morning with ‘The Morning Addition’, a coffee amaro cocktail that strikes the perfect balance between bitter and sweet. The harmonious blend of cold-brew coffee, Averna amaro, dairy, and orange bitters creates a rich and complex flavor profile that’s sure to invigorate your senses. What sets this cocktail apart is the accessibility of its ingredients – Averna amaro is widely available, making it easy to craft this morning pick-me-up.
Give ‘The Morning Addition’ a try and begin your day with a delightful twist on traditional coffee.
Amaro Boulevard
While the Amaro Boulevard may bear some resemblance to its Boulevardier counterpart, it’s the Amaro Nonino that truly takes center stage in this innovative cocktail. This classic bitter liqueur expertly balances sweet, herbal, and bitter notes, providing a depth of flavor that sets the tone for the entire drink. The addition of Rye Whiskey introduces a subtle spice and warmth, while the Vermouth contributes a satisfying weight to the overall mix.
The result is a refreshing departure from more traditional cocktails, perfect for those who appreciate complex flavors with a touch of bitterness. If you’re already familiar with Amaro Nonino or looking to explore new horizons in cocktail territory, the Amaro Boulevard is an absolute must-try.
Bitter Heartbreak
Indulge in the complexity of Bitter Heartbreak, a Valentine’s Day cocktail that redefines your love for Amaro concoctions. This delectable mix combines Cinnamon Hearts-infused syrup with Rye whiskey, Cynar, and grapefruit juice to create a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet notes. The cinnamon rim adds a playful touch, while the egg white foam lends a luxurious texture.
The interplay between the warm, spicy rye and the refreshing citrusy grapefruit juice creates a delightful contrast, while the sweet and bitter Cynar syrup provides depth and complexity. With its intricate flavor profile, Bitter Heartbreak is sure to impress even the most discerning Amaro enthusiasts.
Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan reimagines the classic cocktail with a modern twist that’s sure to tantalize even the most discerning palates. By substituting sweet vermouth for Averna, an Italian amaro infused with caramel and chocolate notes, this sophisticated drink achieves a rich, velvety finish. The use of bourbon instead of rye whiskey adds a subtle sweetness, while the judicious addition of Luxardo cherry and bitters harmonizes the flavors and elevates the complexity.
Whether you’re looking for a celebratory sipper or a satisfying nightcap, the Black Manhattan is sure to delight fans of the classic Manhattan and adventurous mixologists alike.
The Italian American
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of American bourbon and Italian flair with ‘The Italian American’ cocktail. This rich and complex concoction brings together three distinct elements: smooth bourbon, the bold yet refined Amaro Montenegro, and the tangy, slightly bitter Campari.
A judicious splash of maple syrup and lemon juice introduces a welcome touch of sweetness and brightness, tempering the robust flavors and crafting a well-balanced drink that’s perfect for savoring on a chilly evening or sharing with friends.
Witty Comeback
The Witty Comeback is an absolute must-have for anyone who craves a spicy kick from their cocktails. This expertly crafted Amaro drink combines rye whiskey, Luxardo Maraschino, Averna Amaro, ginger simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and orange bitters to create a harmonious balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
The subtle warmth provided by the ginger simple syrup is perfectly offset by the refreshing zing of the orange bitters, making this cocktail an ideal choice for sipping on a cozy night in or wowing your guests at a dinner party. One sip of the Witty Comeback and you’ll be instantly hooked.
Old Fashioned
With its enduring popularity, the Old Fashioned has cemented its status as a classic cocktail that continues to captivate palates. While simplicity is often key to its charm, it’s the judicious use of bitters that elevates this drink from straightforward to sublime. The harmonious balance of whiskey, sugar, and citrus creates a smooth, satisfying experience.
And yet, the Old Fashioned’s greatest allure lies in its rich history and timeless appeal – making it an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a cocktail that transcends fleeting trends.
Averna Spritz
The Averna Spritz is an understated yet delightful cocktail that has gained popularity in recent years. Its simplicity belies its complex flavor profile, which is perfectly balanced by the sweet and bitter notes of Averna, an Italian amaro. This liqueur-based drink is made by combining Averna with soda water and garnishing it with a slice of orange, creating a refreshing and revitalizing concoction that’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or at any social gathering.
As the flavors mingle on your palate, you’ll appreciate the unique character of Averna, which sets this cocktail apart from more traditional spirits-based drinks. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your beverage repertoire, the Averna Spritz is definitely worth trying out.
Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane Cocktail is an irresistible concoction for those who crave a bold and tantalizing drink. Its rich flavor profile stems from the harmonious blend of equal parts bourbon, amaro, and Aperol, which masterfully balance bitter, sour, and herbal notes. This cocktail’s namesake inspiration comes from M. I. A’s iconic track ‘Paper Planes,’ while its origins date back to 2008 at the Violet Hour bar in Chicago.
The Amaro Nonino used in this recipe was introduced in 1992 and boasts a distinctive flavor profile infused with herbs, fruits, and botanicals, evoking notes of orange, honey, vanilla, licorice, allspice, mango, pepper, and cocoa.
