Are you ready to level up your cocktail game with a taste of Italy? Look no further than the world of bitter amaro! These complex, herbal liqueurs are perfect for adding depth and intrigue to any drink. In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing and bold recipes that showcase the unique flavor profiles of different amaro brands.
From classic combinations like Negroni Bianco with Amaro and White Vermouth, to creative twists like Fernet and Cola Highball and Mezcal Amaro Cocktail with Smoky Notes, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to spice up your happy hour routine, these recipes are sure to delight.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these 18 amaro cocktail recipes, complete with ingredients, instructions, and stunning visuals to inspire your next cocktail creation.
Black Manhattan with Amaro and Rye
A twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this recipe adds a hint of bitter sweetness from amaro to balance out the smokiness of rye whiskey.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz rye whiskey
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz amaro (such as Fernet-Branca)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and amaro to the mixing glass.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink recipe!
Amaro Sour with Egg White Foam
Elevate your cocktail game with this innovative recipe that combines the complexity of Amaro with a silky, velvety egg white foam.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Amaro Montenegro
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– 1 egg white
– Ice
– Whipped cream or foam toppers (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Amaro Montenegro, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Crack in the egg white and shake again for an additional 5-7 seconds until frothy.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Top with whipped cream or foam, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Paper Plane Cocktail with Amaro Nonino
A twist on the classic Paper Plane cocktail, this recipe adds a touch of Italy with Amaro Nonino. A perfect blend of sweet and bitter, this drink is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1 dash Amaro Nonino
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, Aperol, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Amaro Nonino for added complexity.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Amaro Spritz with Prosecco and Soda
This refreshing twist on the classic Spritz combines the bold flavors of Amaro with the effervescence of Prosecco and a splash of soda.
Ingredients:
– 1 oz Amaro (such as Averna or Fernet)
– 4 oz Prosecco
– 2 oz soda water
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Amaro and Prosecco.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None! This Spritz is ready to drink as soon as you assemble it.
Negroni Bianco with Amaro and White Vermouth
This creamy take on the classic Negroni cocktail adds a silky texture and subtle sweetness to the original recipe, thanks to the addition of amaro and white vermouth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce amaro (such as Averna or Fernet)
– 1/2 ounce white vermouth
– 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Ice
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, amaro, and white vermouth to the shaker.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Amaro Old Fashioned with Orange Twist
Amaro Old Fashioned with Orange Twist Recipe
Summary: This unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail combines the bittersweet flavors of Amaro Montenegro with the brightness of orange, creating a refreshing and complex drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Amaro Montenegro
– 1 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Amaro Montenegro, bourbon or whiskey, orange juice, and simple syrup.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation takes approximately 2-3 minutes)
Fernet and Cola Highball
This unique highball combines the bold flavors of Fernet-Branca with the crispness of cola, creating a refreshing drink perfect for warm evenings or as a unique alternative to traditional cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Fernet-Branca
– 4 oz cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Fernet-Branca and top with cola.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink, if desired, and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None! This is a ready-to-serve cocktail.
Amaro Montenegro Mule
This Amaro Montenegro Mule is a creative spin on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring the Italian amaro liqueur instead of vodka. The result is a complex and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Amaro Montenegro
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the Amaro Montenegro and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Stir briefly to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Boulevardier with Amaro and Bourbon
Elevate your classic Boulevardier cocktail by adding a touch of bitter sweetness with Amaro. This twist on the classic cocktail combines bold bourbon flavors with the subtle complexity of Amaro.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz Aperol or other sweet Amaro
– 1/2 oz Campari
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, Aperol, and Campari.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None
Amaro Flip with Whole Egg and Nutmeg
Elevate your morning routine with this rich and velvety coffee cocktail. The addition of whole egg and nutmeg adds a silky texture and warm spice to the classic Amaro flip.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg, whole
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon Amaro liqueur (such as Averna or Fernet)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the coffee, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
2. Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10-15 seconds to emulsify the mixture.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
5. Add the Amaro liqueur and stir gently.
6. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Autumn Amaro Smash with Apple and Cinnamon
As the seasons change, warm up with this autumnal twist on a classic cocktail. The combination of sweet apple cider, spiced amaro, and crispy cinnamon sugar creates a delightful fall flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz apple cider
– 1/4 oz amaro (such as Cynar or Fernet)
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1 tsp cinnamon sugar (see note)
– Ice
– Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, amaro, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the cocktail (see note).
6. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Note: To make cinnamon sugar, mix equal parts granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Store any leftover sugar in an airtight container for future use.
Campari and Amaro Spritz
A classic Italian cocktail that combines the bitter sweetness of Campari with the herbal notes of Amaro, perfect for warm evenings or any occasion when you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Amaro Montenegro (or other sweet vermouth)
– 2 oz Prosecco
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Campari and Amaro.
3. Top with Prosecco.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a slice of orange over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Amaro Aperol Sour with Grapefruit
Amaro Aperol Sour with Grapefruit: A twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, this refreshing cocktail combines the bitter sweetness of Aperol with the tangy tartness of grapefruit.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 egg white
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Grapefruit slice or twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Aperol, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and egg white to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to emulsify the mixture.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Dash Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Dark and Stormy with Amaro and Ginger Beer
As the stormy weather sets in, warm up with this twist on the classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail. The spicy kick from the ginger beer pairs perfectly with the bitter notes of amaro.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz ginger beer
– 3/4 oz amaro (such as Averna or Fernet)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum and add the ginger beer.
3. Add the amaro and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Amaro Sbagliato with Sparkling Wine
Revive the classic Italian cocktail Amaro Sbagliato by adding a sparkling twist. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want to toast in style.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Amaro Nonino (or other bitter liqueur)
– 4 oz Prosecco
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Amaro Nonino and lemon juice.
3. Top with Prosecco.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Mezcal Amaro Cocktail with Smoky Notes
Elevate your cocktail game with this bold and smoky concoction that combines the spiciness of mezcal with the complexity of amaro. This unique blend will transport you to a warm summer evening under the stars.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz Averna Amaro
– 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 3 dashes Smoked Salt Bitters
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, Averna Amaro, lime juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 3 dashes of smoked salt bitters and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Amaro Hot Toddy for Winter Nights
As the snowflakes gently fall outside, warm up with a soothing and spirit-lifting Amaro Hot Toddy. This Italian-inspired cocktail combines the bitter sweetness of Amaro with the comforting warmth of hot milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Amaro (such as Averna or Fernet-Branca)
– 4 oz whole milk
– 1 tsp honey
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: lemon slice, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it’s steaming hot.
2. Add the Amaro, honey, and salt to the milk. Stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Pour the mixture into a mug or coupe glass.
4. Garnish with lemon slice, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Serve Hot: Enjoy your Amaro Hot Toddy as you cozy up by the fireplace or snuggle under blankets on a chilly winter night.
Rosemary-Infused Amaro Cocktail
Experience the harmony of herbal notes and sweet citrus with this refreshing Rosemary-Infused Amaro Cocktail. Perfect for warm evenings or as a unique twist on traditional cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz amaro (such as Averna or Fernet)
– 1/2 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (see below)
– 3 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– Slice of orange, for garnish
– Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add rosemary leaves. Let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain and discard solids.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add amaro, rosemary-infused simple syrup, and orange juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and fresh rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe.
Summary
Elevate your cocktail game with these 18 bold and refreshing recipes featuring amaro, a bitter Italian liqueur. From classics like the Black Manhattan and Negroni Bianco to creative twists like the Amaro Flip and Autumn Amaro Smash, there’s something for every taste. Experiment with different combinations of amaro, spirits, and mixers to create unique flavor profiles. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm winter sipper or a refreshing summer spritz, these recipes are sure to delight.