Step into the world of Amaro cocktails, where the bittersweet symphony of flavors dances upon your palate. Amaro, the Italian herbal liqueur known for its complex and aromatic profile, takes center stage in this delightful roundup of cocktails. From the traditional Italian Amaro Cocktail to the modern and refreshing Amaro Spritz, each drink showcases the versatility of this beloved spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious cocktail enthusiast, these eight enticing recipes will elevate your happy hour to new heights!
Best Amaro Cocktails
Italian Amaro Cocktail
Transport yourself to the heart of Italy with the classic Italian Amaro Cocktail. Combining the richness of Amaro with the zesty notes of orange and a hint of sweetness from simple syrup, this cocktail strikes a perfect balance between bitter and sweet. Garnished with a twist of lemon, it’s an elegant and timeless choice for any occasion, making you feel like you’re sipping under the Tuscan sun.
Amaro Spritz
For a sparkling experience, the Amaro Spritz takes center stage. This revitalizing cocktail features a generous pour of Amaro, a splash of soda water, and a delicate Prosecco float. The bubbles tickle your senses, while the Amaro’s herbal complexity lingers in the background. Serve it with a slice of orange and a sprig of fresh mint for a truly invigorating sip.
Smoky Mezcal Sour
Embrace the allure of smoke and spice with the Smoky Mezcal Sour. Blending the earthy flavors of mezcal with the bitter sweetness of Amaro, this cocktail brings a sophisticated twist to the traditional sour. Freshly squeezed lime juice and a touch of agave syrup provide a harmonious balance, culminating in a mesmerizing drink that will keep you coming back for more.
The Italian American
Celebrate the fusion of cultures with The Italian American cocktail. This delightful concoction merges the richness of bourbon with the herbal depth of Amaro, accented by the fruity allure of Amaretto. A dash of aromatic bitters ties it all together, resulting in a smooth and robust drink that pays homage to both Italy and America in every velvety sip.
Aperol Margarita
In this inspired marriage of Italy and Mexico, the Aperol Margarita reigns supreme. Zesty Aperol takes the place of traditional triple sec, infusing the classic margarita with vibrant orange notes and a gentle bitterness. Combined with tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice, this cocktail is a playful and lively twist on a beloved favorite.
Black Manhattan
Unleash the dark and mysterious side of Amaro with the Black Manhattan. Swapping the sweet vermouth of a classic Manhattan for a luscious blend of amaro and herbal liqueur, this cocktail offers a delightful complexity. Enhanced with a few dashes of aromatic bitters and garnished with a brandied cherry, the Black Manhattan is a luxurious choice for those who crave a taste of the forbidden.
Oleo Old Fashioned
Elevate the timeless Old Fashioned with a touch of Amaro and citrusy bliss in the Oleo Old Fashioned. The muddled orange slices and a dash of orange bitters play harmoniously with the bittersweet amaro, while bourbon provides a sturdy foundation. Served over ice with a twist of orange peel, it’s a refined and sophisticated take on a classic cocktail.
Rum Negroni
Prepare to be enchanted by the Rum Negroni, a tropical-inspired variation of the classic Negroni. This spirited concoction swaps gin for the richness of dark rum, intertwining the Amaro’s botanicals with the sweet vermouth and Campari’s vibrant bitterness. Garnished with an orange wheel, this alluring blend will transport your taste buds to an exotic paradise.
Common Amaro Cocktails Questions
How to drink Amaro?
Amaro is typically served after a meal to aid digestion. It has a strong, bitter flavor profile with herbal and aromatic notes. Here are some common ways to drink Amaro:
- Neat: Serve Amaro in a small liqueur glass at room temperature. Sip it slowly and savor the complex flavors.
- On the rocks: Pour Amaro over ice if you prefer a slightly diluted and chilled version.
- With a twist: Garnish your Amaro with a citrus twist (e.g., orange or lemon) to add a refreshing touch.
- Amaro cocktails: Many cocktails incorporate Amaro as an ingredient. You can experiment with mixing it with soda water, tonic, or even using it in a Negroni or Manhattan variation.
What is Amaro?
Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur known for its distinct bitter taste. The word “amaro” translates to “bitter” in Italian. It is made by infusing a base spirit (often neutral alcohol) with a mixture of herbs, roots, flowers, and botanicals. The exact ingredients and recipes can vary widely among different brands and regions, leading to a diverse range of flavors.
Amaro is renowned for its digestive properties and has been traditionally consumed after meals to aid in digestion. It can also be used in various cocktails to add depth and complexity to the drinks.
How to serve Amaro?
Amaro is best served in small portions to be savored slowly. Here’s a general guide on how to serve Amaro:
- Select the right glass: Use a small liqueur glass or a tumbler to serve Amaro.
- Temperature: Amaro is typically served at room temperature, as chilling it excessively might mute some of its flavors.
- Garnish: While Amaro is often consumed neat, you can add a twist of citrus (e.g., orange or lemon peel) to enhance the aromatic experience.
- Accompaniments: It pairs well with dark chocolate, dried fruits, or biscotti if you wish to have a small snack alongside.
Is Campari an Amaro?
Yes, Campari is classified as an Amaro. It is a well-known Italian herbal liqueur with a bitter and vibrant red hue. Campari is made by infusing alcohol with a blend of herbs, spices, bitter orange, and other botanicals. It has a distinct bitter flavor profile and is often consumed as an aperitif, which means it’s served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
While Campari falls under the category of Amari (plural of Amaro), it has a unique taste that sets it apart from other Amari brands due to its specific recipe and ingredients.
How to make Amaro?
Making Amaro at home can be a fun and rewarding process, but it requires some time and patience. Here’s some basic recipes to use to make a basic Amaro drink: a base spirit (vodka, brandy, etc.), a selection of dried and/or fresh herbs, and a sweetener (simple syrup, honey, agave, etc.).
If you try one of these Amaro cocktails recipes for yourself, take a picture on Instagram and tag me @winewithpaige!
