As the winter chill sets in, people often crave warmth and comfort. It’s a season that begs for cozy nights in with loved ones, snuggled up by the fireplace. But sometimes, even the most snug of settings can’t dispel the lingering feeling of restlessness, a desire to be warmed from within. This is where Amaro enters the scene. Amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, is born from the infusion of a medley of herbs, roots, and spices in alcohol.
Typically used as a digestif, it also shines in cocktails, bringing a unique flavor profile that can’t be replicated by any other spirit. As winter’s warmth and spice unfold, Amaro cocktails become an ideal way to experiment with bold flavors. The rich, earthy essence of Amaro harmonizes beautifully with the robust, warming notes of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, making for a perfect pairing.
These cocktails are made for sipping by the fire, sharing with friends, or treating yourself after a long day. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the best Winter Amaro Cocktail recipes, exploring the flavors and ingredients that make them so special. Whether you’re an experienced bartender or just starting your mixology journey, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and keep you cozy all winter long. So, grab your shaker and let’s embark on a mixing adventure!
Busted Pipe
For those seeking a winter cocktail that balances sweet and bitter notes, the Busted Pipe Amaro Cocktail is an ideal choice. This warming concoction has become a staple during the colder months, offering a refreshing spin on classic bourbon-based drinks like the Old Fashioned and Paper Plane. The recipe hinges on a harmonious blend of equal parts amaro and bourbon, accompanied by a cherry garnish and a lemon peel, which adds a touch of elegance to the overall presentation.
A large ice cube plays a crucial role in this cocktail’s success, making it an excellent addition to any casual dinner party or gathering. The Busted Pipe Amaro Cocktail is a robust yet approachable drink that will likely appeal to anyone with a fondness for amaro or bourbon.
Mele Kalikimaka Cocktail
Immerse yourself in the tropical spirit of the holiday season with the Mele Kalikimaka Cocktail, a tiki-inspired blend of spiced rum, amaro, and spices. This festive concoction takes its name from the Hawaiian phrase for ‘Merry Christmas’ and is expertly crafted using Merrymeeting Spiced Rum from Three of Strong Spirits and Amaro Amorino from Letterpress Distillery. A dash of Hella Aromatic Bitters adds a warm, aromatic flavor profile reminiscent of clove and allspice.
The drink’s sweet and spicy notes come from the combination of fruit juices, cinnamon, and ginger simple syrups, making it a truly unique and flavorful experience that is sure to delight your guests during the holiday season.
Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria
Infusing the essence of winter into a glass, the Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria is a harmonious blend of flavors. At its core lies Amaro Lucano, an Italian aperitif crafted with over 30 herbs, which brings a subtle depth to the drink. The combination of blackberries, figs, and blood oranges creates a rich tapestry of taste, as the sweetness of the fruits mingles with the Amaro’s bitter notes in perfect balance.
This winter cocktail is surprisingly easy to prepare ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for your next gathering. With its complex flavors and refreshing essence, the Blackberry Blood Orange Amaro Sangria is a must-try for anyone seeking to warm up their winter celebrations.
Bloody Sidecar
For adventurous spirits, the Bloody Sidecar Winter Amaro Cocktail is an absolute must-try. This innovative concoction combines the unique flavor profile of Amara Amaro, infused with blood orange, with brandy, fresh blood orange juice, and a squeeze of lemon juice. As you shake the mixture, the flavors meld together to create a harmonious balance of tart and refreshing notes. The result is a truly one-of-a-kind cocktail that will satisfy your cravings for something new and exciting.
By carefully blending the ingredients, the Bloody Sidecar offers an unparalleled drinking experience that showcases the distinct characteristics of Amaro.
The Black Manhattan Cocktail
The Black Manhattan Cocktail is an elevated take on the classic Manhattan, boasting a richly complex flavor profile. By substituting Averna amaro for sweet vermouth, this refined concoction presents a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet notes. The spicy undertones and warming effects make it a perfect fit for autumn evenings, regardless of whether you prefer bourbon or rye as your base spirit.
Crafted by Todd Smith, a skilled bartender at the esteemed Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, this cocktail is an excellent opportunity to venture beyond your usual drink of choice. Its refined nature makes it an ideal selection for a cozy night in, allowing you to indulge in the subtle nuances and perfectly balanced flavors.
Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe
Indulge in the delightful Winter Gin & Tonic with Elderflower & Sloe, a captivating twist on the classic G&T that’s perfectly suited for the winter season. The combination of sloe gin and Campari infuses the drink with a warming hue and a wintery edge to its flavor profile, while the subtle addition of elderflower injects a hint of summertime charm.
Notably, the Campari’s bitterness is expertly balanced by the modest amount used in the recipe, resulting in a harmonious blend that’s free from overwhelming tartness. A delicate touch of elegance is added with the easy-to-create orange twists used as garnishes, making this cocktail a stunning centerpiece for any winter gathering or cozy evening at home.
Toronto Cocktail
The Toronto Cocktail is an intriguing creation that will delight whiskey enthusiasts. This refined drink takes the classic Old Fashioned to new heights by combining rye whiskey with Fernet-Branca, an Italian bitter liqueur infused with a medley of herbs and spices. The result is a rich, earthy flavor profile with a subtle bitterness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the whiskey.
Although it may not appeal to everyone’s taste buds, the Toronto Cocktail is a must-try for those seeking a complex cocktail experience. If you’re looking for a unique Winter Amaro Cocktail recipe to impress your friends and family, this drink is sure to hit the spot.
The Clove and Cider
Fall Rye Whiskey Cocktail – But I’m Not Bitter
A harmonious blend of flavors, The Fall Rye Whiskey Cocktail – But I’m Not Bitter combines the robust qualities of Wilderness Trail rye whiskey with the sweet, floral notes of Montenegro Amaro. This complex mixture is further elevated by the warm, aromatic spices of chai-infused simple syrup, which brings all the elements together in perfect harmony.
This easy-to-make cocktail is an ideal choice for a chilly winter evening and can be beautifully garnished with a dried orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and star anise to evoke the cozy atmosphere of the season.
Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane Cocktail has captured the hearts of many in the cocktail world with its modern classic appeal. Concocted by New York bartender Sam Ross, this innovative blend of bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice yields a harmonious balance of flavors, featuring citrusy notes, a smooth texture, and a subtle interplay between pronounced bitterness from the amaro and Aperol’s sweetness.
What sets it apart is its distinct lighter hue and profile compared to darker amaros, making it an attractive winter cocktail option. For those seeking a unique and delectable winter drinking experience, the Paper Plane Cocktail is an absolute must-try.
Brooklyn Cocktail
The Brooklyn Cocktail is a reimagined take on the iconic Manhattan, boasting a drier and less sweet taste profile. Its unique character stems from the combination of rye whiskey and dry vermouth, subtly enhanced by the tartness of maraschino liqueur. Historically, Amer Picon – a bitter orange liqueur now hard to come by – played a key role in this classic cocktail. Nonetheless, innovative bartenders have successfully adapted the recipe using alternative amari and orange bitters.
Although the original formula may be challenging to replicate, the Brooklyn Cocktail remains an essential experience for those seeking complex, expertly balanced libations.
The Recap
With its harmonious blend of rich, fruity notes from Fonseca Port and herbal, spicy flavors from Italian amaro, ‘The Recap’ is a winter wonderland in a glass. The addition of mint simple syrup and fresh lemon juice injects a revitalizing essence, while a splash of club soda adds a celebratory effervescence. This cocktail is a fitting toast for those reflecting on the past year’s experiences while embracing the promise of the future.
Whether you’re seeking a unique winter amaro concoction or simply a refreshing drink to savor, ‘The Recap’ is an absolute must-try.
Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail
As the temperatures drop, there’s no better way to thaw out than with a warm and inviting Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail. This delightful concoction combines bourbon with a medley of spices – cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and star anise – to create a comforting drink that embodies the cozy essence of winter. Whether you’re sipping it by the fireplace on Christmas or any chilly evening, this cocktail exudes a hygge vibe that’s sure to envelop you in its warmth.
What sets the Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail apart is its masterful balance of strength and bitterness, making it a sophisticated sipper rather than just another festive drink. The use of handcrafted, organic spirits from Split Rock Distilling and Royal Rose Syrups adds a unique local touch, elevating this cocktail to must-try status for the winter season. With its expert blend of flavors, this Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail is sure to leave you feeling cozy and content.
