Hello, cocktail lovers! Ready to shake things up a bit with a cocktail in hand? Today, we're going deep into the world of Amaro, an Italian bitter liqueur that has been around for centuries but has lately been creating a stir in modern mixology in a big way. So, sit tight, and let's jump into 10 must-try Amaro cocktails.
Guaranteed to knock people's socks off, these recipes will provide you with a sip that will have the neighbors talking about your parties for months to come.
What is Amaro?
The word "amaro" means "bitter" in Italian. Well, amaro is a bitter herbal liqueur that Italians have sipped for centuries. It's usually created by soaking a neutral spirit or wine with some secret blend of herbs, roots, flowers, and sometimes fruit in a bath. The result? Complex, bittersweet liqueur that's perfect to sip after dinner or mix into cocktails.
Now, Amaro has become the backbone of trendsetting bars around the world. Why? It perpetuates various dimensions to cocktails like nothing else. It's that secret ingredient that elicits the "Wow, what's in this?" response.
Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's get to the good stuff.
Here are 10 Amaro cocktails that'll make you the star of your next happy hour
1. The Classic Black Manhattan
A little spin on an old favorite, the Black Manhattan is pretty much the cooler, edgier cousin of the classic Manhattan. Perfect for those nights when you're feeling a bit fancy but still want something with a kick.
For this one, you will need:
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Amaro (try CioCiaro or Montenegro)
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
How to make it:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the rye, Amaro, and bitters.
- Stir in glass with ice until cold (like 30 seconds).
- Strain into chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with orange twist.
Pro tip: Don't skimp on rye whiskey here. Pay up for the good stuff. Also, experiment with different Amari. Each type will bring different personality characteristics to your Black Manhattan.
Check out our Amaro collection to make now!
2. Amaro Negroni
Next, a classic Negroni variation. For all you gin lovers out there, this one's for you. The Amaro builds huge complexity that'll have you wondering why you ever drank regular Negronis in the first place.
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Amaro (Rothman and Winter is great here)
- Orange peel for garnish
How to make it:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, vermouth, and amaro.
- Stir until it's really cold, about 30 seconds.
- Strain over into a rocks glass, over ice.
- Garnish with that orange peel.
Play with a variety of Amari to find your signature mix of them. Each will lend its particular brand of flavor to your Negroni. Maybe you will find what will be your new spirit!
3. Paper Plane
This modern classic, balanced, complex, and just plain delicious, is a relatively new kid on the block, having been created in 2007 by Sam Ross. But it quickly became a favorite among cocktail aficionados of every stripe.
Here's what you'll need:
How to make it:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add all ingredients.
- Shake it like you mean it — about 10-15 seconds should do.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Remember: Equal parts are key here. Don't eyeball it! Break out those jiggers for perfect balance.
4. Amaro Spritz
Looking for something light and refreshing? The Amaro Spritz has got you covered. It's like Aperol Spritz's sophisticated older sibling.
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 1/2 oz Amaro (Ramazzotti is a good bet)
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
How to make it:
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add in Amaro, Prosecco, and soda.
- Gently stir
- Pop in that orange slice
This one serves ice-cold best, therefore perfect for summer sipping on the patio or by the pool. And besides, it's a great first-time intro for your friends to Amaro in its lighter and more approachable capacity.
5. Amaro Sour
If you're a fan of the Whiskey Sour, you are going to like this amaro version. Yep, all that tangy deliciousness from a sour, with another kick of complexity from the Amaro.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 ounces amaro (try Lucano)
- 3/4 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce egg white
- Lemon twist, for garnish
How to make it:
- Throw everything into a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard. Like, really hard. (About 15-20 seconds should do it.)
- Strain over ice into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with that lemon twist.
Pro tip: If you're using egg white, dry shake first — without ice — for extra froth. It'll give your cocktail a beautiful silky texture.
6. Amaro Boulevardier
Bourbon lovers, this one's for you. Just like a Negroni, but a… well, better. I said it. The Amaro introduces a tasteful amount of depth to complement the bourbon.
Here's what you need to serve one up:
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Amaro - Cynar works really well at this
- Orange peel, for garnish
How to make it:
- Fill the mixing glass with ice.
- Add bourbon, vermouth, and Amaro.
- Stir until nice and cold, about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with that orange peel.
Use a big ice cube so it stays cold without watering it down. This is a sipper, folks. Take your time and enjoy all the complexity.
7. Amaro Julep
An Italian version of the Mint Julep, suitable for sipping on your porch: refreshing, complex, oh-so sophisticated.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 oz Amaro (Fernet-Branca is classic)
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
-
Mint sprig for garnish
How to make it:
- In a julep cup, muddle mint with simple syrup.
- Fill the cup with crushed ice.
- Pour in the Amaro.
- Stir gently.
- Top with more crushed ice and that mint sprig.
You really want some good Amaro here and a lot of crushed ice, so skimp on neither. And do remember to give it a good smell before you sip. That mint aroma is half the experience.
8. Amaro Mule
Love a Moscow Mule? Then you've gotta try this Amaro version. It's got all that spicy ginger goodness, with an added layer of herbal complexity.
Here's what you'll need:
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Lime wedge for garnish
How to make it:
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Add Amaro and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with that lime wedge.
Use spicy ginger beer to complement the Amaro. The spicier the better! It will stand up to the complex flavors of the Amaro with a beautifully balanced drink.
9. Amaro Highball
Sometimes the simplest things are the best. This two-ingredient cocktail lets the Amaro really shine. It's perfect for one of those times when what you really want is something that just tastes good yet sufficiently more complex than the usual highball.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 oz Amaro (try Cappelletti Sfumato Rabarbaro)
- Soda water
- Lemon wheel for garnish
How to make it:
- Fill a highball glass to the top with ice.
- Add the Amaro.
- Fill the glass with soda water.
- Stir gently.
Serve ice-cold, for maximum refreshment. This is a great way to really taste the nuances of different Amari. Try it with a few different types to find your favorite!
10. Amaro Fizz
Finally, a fizzy, citrusy delight! For all of you out there looking for that perfect adult soda, this is it.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 oz Amaro
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Simple syrup
- Soda water
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to make it:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add Amaro, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it up. (About 10-15 seconds.)
- Strain into highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish that with a lemon twist.
Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice from real lemons. It'll make a difference that your taste buds will thank me for.
A Manifesto for your Soft Skills
Now that you've got these recipes in your back pocket, let's jump into the art of the Amaro cocktail. Here are some great ways to really up your mixology game:
- Getting to know your Amari. Each Amaro has a unique flavor of its own. Some are very bitter, some are sweeter, some are very herbal, and some are very citrus. Try many different kinds until you are sure of your favorites.
- Balance is key. This is because Amaro can be pretty potent. To balance the complex flavors of Amaro in turn, citrus, sweetness, and bubbles work very nicely with Amaro. Feel free to experiment, but these are great starting points. So don't be scared to substitute different lucre or add a dash of bitters - what's to say that you might make the next classic cocktail?
- Quality matters. As is the case with any cocktail, the quality of the ingredients is quite important. Use fresh juices, good quality spirits, and, of course, good amaro. Presentation is part of the experience, quite literally - a cocktail garnish beautifies the drink but can also enhance both the aroma and flavor experience of the cocktail.
- Amaro Beyond Cocktails. Although we've tended to focus on cocktails here, it's worth stressing that, traditionally, Amaro is a digestif, drunk neat after a meal. If you've not enjoyed it before, this perhaps can be an acquired taste, but it's a great way to really appreciate the convoluted flavors characteristic of these liqueurs.
Some Amari are very good, served over ice with a spritz of soda and a squeeze of citrus. This can be a great low-alcohol option, or a great way to dip a toe into the wide world of Amaro if you find some varieties too intense to begin with.
Where to Find the Good Stuff ?
Are you ready to embark on the Amaro journey? Visit our Amaro collection for more options to elevate your cocktail game or check out The Epicurean Trader for the Amaro collection. After all, the best thing about enjoying cocktails is experimentation. Don't be afraid to do something creative, find the blend you absolutely adore.
It's been assumed that amaro may be intimidating since that first moment, because those flavors are so complex and Italian. But after the first sip, a whole new world of cocktail possibilities will unlock. Bitter liqueurs can layer added dimensions into classics or take center stage in their own glorious weirdness.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle of Amaro and start mixing. Your taste buds will appreciate that. And who knows? You might just be the go-to Amaro expert among your friends.
Cheers to your Amaro adventure!
