Savoring the flavors of Italy, one drink at a time, has been a highlight of my career as a bartender. I’ve had the pleasure of experimenting with an array of ingredients, but none have captured my attention quite like the Italian liqueurs known as Amari. These often-overlooked spirits are a staple in any bar worth its salt, and it’s a shame that they’re frequently eclipsed by more well-known concoctions. But Amari is far from just another category of liquor.
When used correctly, these bittersweet liqueurs can elevate the complexity and depth of cocktails to new heights. And it’s precisely this unique quality that sets them apart from other spirits. So what exactly are Amari? These Italian liqueurs are a blend of herbs, roots, and spices, crafted into a wide range of flavors that cater to every taste. From the bright and citrusy Aperol to the dark and brooding Fernet Branca, each Amaro has its own distinct character.
This diversity is due in part to the varying blends used in their production, resulting in a spectrum of sweet, bitter, and even both. The adaptability of Amari makes them an ideal addition to any cocktail repertoire. They can serve as a base spirit, modifier, or finishing touch, depending on the desired outcome. Whether you’re aiming for something light and refreshing or rich and complex, there’s an Amari cocktail out there waiting to be discovered.
In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my personal favorites – recipes that have been perfected over the years through trial and error. Each one is sure to impress, so grab a glass and let’s embark on a journey into the fascinating world of Amari cocktails.
Ford Cocktail
Yielding a complex and flavorful taste experience, the Ford Cocktail has been a timeless favorite among connoisseurs. Introduced in the 1890s, this classic drink continues to captivate those who appreciate the bold, bitter notes of amaro. Named after Henry Ford, the founder of the iconic automobile company, this cocktail serves as an exemplary model of perfect balance and harmony.
Amaro Spritz
Gathering inspiration from Italian culture, the Amaro Spritz has become a popular cocktail globally. Traditionally enjoyed during Aperitivo Hour, this drink pairs perfectly with appetizers and other light spritz cocktails. With only three simple ingredients – sparkling wine, amaro liqueur, and seltzer – it’s an effortless creation to make at home.
The combination of the amaro’s bitter notes and the sweetness of the sparkling wine creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and revitalizing. Whether you’re in need of a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon pick, the Amaro Spritz is an excellent choice for those who enjoy light, crisp cocktails.
Aperol Sour Cocktail
Notably, the Aperol Sour Cocktail has become a staple in many bars and restaurants due to its unique flavor profile and appearance. The combination of Aperol, an Italian amaro with subtle notes of bitter orange and rhubarb, paired with lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of gin, creates a delightful and refreshing drink that is perfect for brunch or as an aperitif.
Furthermore, the addition of egg white gives the cocktail a lovely creamy texture without the richness associated with actual cream. The Aperol Sour Cocktail is typically prepared by shaking the ingredients with ice and straining them into a chilled glass, where it’s garnished with a twist of grapefruit peel. Its vibrant pink color and puckering flavor make it an excellent choice for those seeking a citrusy and revitalizing drink that won’t overwhelm with its alcohol content.
Contessa Cocktail
With its refreshing twist on the classic Negroni, the Contessa Cocktail has become a staple in modern mixology. Developed by John Gertsen, a skilled bartender at Boston’s Drink, this cocktail offers a lighter and less bitter flavor profile compared to its traditional counterpart. The use of Aperol instead of Campari is a key factor in achieving this balance, as its citrusy notes beautifully complement the gin and sweet vermouth.
This harmonious blend makes the Contessa Cocktail an ideal choice for those seeking a Negroni variation that’s easy to sip on a hot summer day, perfect even for a before-dinner drink.
Vampire Cynar Negroni
Zest up your Halloween parties with the Vampire Cynar Negroni, a dark and mysterious twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This eerie concoction is crafted with Dry Rye Reposado Gin, Cynar, and strawberry infused Campari, resulting in a unique flavor profile that’s sure to send shivers down your spine. The finishing touches include a smoking sprig of rosemary as garnish, adding an air of mystique to the glass.
But the pièce de résistance is the dry ice chip added just before serving, which creates a misty white fog that will leave your guests spellbound and mesmerized. Give this bewitching cocktail a try at your next Halloween gathering and experience the thrill of the Vampire Cynar Negroni for yourself.
Fernet Sour Cocktail
Typically, the Fernet Sour is a standout Amari cocktail that successfully merges the complexities of Italian bitter Fernet-Branca with the herbal essence of French-made Chartreuse liqueur, along with a squeeze of lime juice. This combination yields an intricately balanced drink, showcasing contrasting sweet, sour, and bitter notes while maintaining refreshing qualities, making it one of the most distinctive cocktails available.
The Fernet Sour is indeed a sophisticated cocktail that excels in balance, making it perfect for impressing guests at any gathering. For those who are eager to experiment with new liqueurs, purchasing bottles of Chartreuse and Fernet-Branca can be a worthwhile investment, not only for crafting the Fernet Sour but also for exploring other innovative Fernet-based cocktails.
Paloma Aperol Spritz
Crafted with precision and a dash of creativity, the Paloma Aperol Spritz is an unbeatable summer cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion or celebration. By combining Aperol, grapefruit soda, tequila, fresh lime juice, and finishing it off with a splash of prosecco, this refreshing drink perfectly balances sweet and bitter flavors. What truly sets this cocktail apart is the distinct flavor contribution from Aperol, an Italian aperitif known for its unique taste profile.
Orange Campari Vodka Sour Cocktail
Crafted with precision and care, the Orange Campari Vodka Sour Cocktail presents a revitalizing spin on the classic vodka sour. This harmonious blend of citrusy and floral notes comes together through the combination of freshly squeezed orange juice, Campari, and vodka, resulting in a tantalizing balance of sweet and tart flavors that will leave you wanting more.
The incorporation of egg whites adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the cocktail, elevating it to new heights of sophistication and refinement. Whether enjoyed on a warm evening or as part of a lively happy hour gathering, this cocktail is sure to impress even the most discerning palates, especially those with a penchant for the complex, bittersweet taste of Campari and the creamy allure of egg whites in their cocktails.
Aperol Tequila Twist
Highlighting its unique flavor profile, the Aperol Tequila Twist is a revitalizing cocktail that masterfully combines tequila with Aperol, grapefruit juice, orange juice, orange bitters, and maple syrup. This long and tangy drink boasts mellow undertones of sweet maple and a balanced bitter bite from the Aperol. The zesty citrus flavors contributed by the grapefruit and orange juice make it an incredibly refreshing choice during the warmer summer months.
The Aperol Tequila Twist’s vibrant colors also add to its appeal, making it a visually stunning drink that is sure to turn heads. This cocktail is particularly ideal for those looking to try something new and exciting.
Tropical Aperol Bourbon Cocktail
Blending the rich flavors of Bourbon with the bittersweet taste of Aperol creates a unique and refreshing cocktail experience that will transport you to a tropical paradise. The harmonious balance of sweet and bitter notes is perfectly complemented by the addition of pineapple juice and fresh lemon juice, infusing the drink with a vibrant and fruity twist. Served ice-cold and garnished with mint, this cocktail presents a perfect blend of flavors and aromas that will tantalize your senses.
Whether you’re seeking a new Amari Cocktail to try or simply looking for a refreshing drink to quench your thirst, the Tropical Aperol Bourbon Cocktail is an absolute must-try, offering a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and bitter notes in each sip.
Aperol and Elderflower Margarita
Among the many refreshing cocktails perfect for spring and summer, the Aperol and Elderflower Margarita stands out with its unique balance of flavors. Made with Corralejo Reposado tequila, Aperol, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice, this cocktail boasts a delightful combination of bitter and sweet notes that are perfectly balanced by the delicate floral sweetness of the elderflower liqueur.
The use of sumac in the salted rim adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the drink, subtly enhancing the rhubarb notes present in Aperol. This innovative twist on the classic margarita is ideal for those seeking a slightly unconventional yet utterly captivating cocktail experience. Its vibrant flavors and aromas are sure to make it a showstopper at any gathering or social event.
Aperol Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Yearning for a unique twist on the classic Cosmo recipe? Look no further than the Aperol Cosmopolitan Cocktail, which is sure to wow even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. This clever variation uses Aperol, a bright-red bittersweet liqueur infused with the essence of oranges and several herbs, to create a vibrant color and a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both tart and sweet in equal measure.
By omitting cranberry juice from the mix, the Aperol and lime juice take center stage, imbuing the drink with a sophisticated and grown-up taste that’s sure to impress. Whether you serve this cocktail in a sleek highball glass or a elegant coupe, it’s sure to add a touch of glamour to any gathering. The Aperol Cosmopolitan Cocktail is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to elevate their mixology skills and wow their friends with a modern, refreshing, and expertly crafted drink.
Campari Margarita
Crafted from the classic margarita recipe, the Campari Margarita offers a bold twist by incorporating the bitter Italian apertif, Campari. This refreshing concoction is ideal for individuals who have a nearly full bottle of Campari lingering in their liquor cabinet and are eager to find innovative ways to utilize it.
While Campari’s distinct flavor profile may require some getting used to, its surprising harmonization with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup or simple syrup creates a unique drinking experience that is perfect for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts seeking to explore new flavors.
Aperol Gin Cocktail
Often overshadowed by its more well-known cousin, the Negroni, the Aperol Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any gathering. This delightful concoction is made with gin, cucumber, lime, and a splash of Aperol, which gives it a beautiful, distinctive color. The bitterness of Aperol pairs perfectly with the freshness of cucumber and lime, making it a unique and delicious cocktail that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Negroni
Zestfully capturing the essence of the classic cocktail world, the Negroni stands out as a true original. This Amari-based drink expertly combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, resulting in a bold and bitter flavor profile that has earned it a loyal following among cocktail enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing pick-me-up or a sophisticated drink to enjoy with friends, the Negroni is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance, making it a timeless choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Bitter Giuseppe
Pioneering mixologists have created a unique concoction that perfectly balances bitter notes with sweet and tangy flavors, resulting in The Bitter Giuseppe cocktail. This complex drink is comprised of Italian amaro Cynar, which provides the underlying bitterness, tempered by the addition of sweet vermouth, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a few dashes of orange bitters. The combination of these ingredients creates a well-rounded flavor profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
