As summer nights stretch out long and lazy, there’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family around the patio for a refreshing night of cocktails. And what better way to do so than with a glass (or two) of something deliciously bitter? Enter amaro, the Italian spirit that’s been making waves in mixology circles lately. With its rich, complex flavor profile and versatility in both sweet and savory applications, it’s no wonder bartenders are going crazy for this stuff. To help you join the fun, we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite amaro cocktail recipes to shake (or stir) your summer nights. From classic sours to spicy margaritas, herbal spritzers to creamy white Russians, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab a glass and let’s get started!
Classic Amaro Sour with Egg White
Elevate your cocktail game with this velvety-smooth twist on the classic whiskey sour, featuring the bold flavors of amaro and a silky egg white foam.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Amaro Nonino or other sweet vermouth-based amaro
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 egg white
– Ice
– Lemon twist or cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, amaro, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
3. Crack in the egg white and continue shaking until well combined and frothy.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Spicy Amaro Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
This spicy twist on the classic margarita combines the bold flavors of amaro and chili salt for a unique and addictive cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz triple sec
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz amaro
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili salt, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with chili salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and amaro.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge or slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Citrusy Amaro Spritz with Prosecco
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic spritz, combining the sweetness of citrus and the depth of amaro. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a bright and cheerful drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco
– 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of soda water
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Prosecco, Aperol, and orange juice.
3. Add the simple syrup and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None!
This spritz is best served immediately, as it’s meant to be enjoyed fresh and bubbly. The citrus and amaro balance beautifully, making it a perfect drink for any occasion.
Herbal Amaro Negroni Twist
Elevate your classic Negroni with this herbal twist, featuring the subtle bitterness of amaro and a hint of botanicals. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to shake things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Amaro Nonino
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– Ice
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin, Campari, Amaro Nonino, and grapefruit juice.
3. Add honey syrup and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking recipe!
Smoky Amaro Old Fashioned
Smoky Amaro Old Fashioned Recipe
This twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail combines smoky mezcal with sweet and spicy amaro, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile. The mezcal adds a deep, smoky note that complements the bold flavors of the whiskey and bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Mezcal
– 1/2 oz Amaro Montenegro
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, mezcal, amaro, sweet vermouth, and bitters to the mixing glass.
3. Stir gently for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a 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, this is a cocktail!
Tropical Amaro Pineapple Daiquiri
Escape to a tropical paradise with this unique twist on the classic daiquiri. The combination of sweet pineapple, spicy amaro, and refreshing rum will transport you to a sunny island getaway.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz fresh pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz amaro liqueur (such as Aperol or Cynar)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the light rum, pineapple juice, amaro liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Berry-Infused Amaro Sangria
This refreshing twist on traditional sangria combines the bold flavors of amaro with a mix of juicy berries and crisp citrus, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of Amaro Montenegro
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 orange, peeled and sliced
– 1 lemon, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup Sparkling wine (such as Prosecco or Cava)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the amaro, mixed berries, orange and lemon slices.
2. Add the simple syrup and stir until the berries are well coated.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add the Sparkling wine and stir gently.
5. Serve the sangria over ice in glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is ready when you are.
Ginger Amaro Mule with Fresh Mint
Elevate your mule game with this unique twist featuring the spicy warmth of ginger and the rich, herbal flavors of amaro. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a sophisticated sip.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Ginger-infused vodka
– 4 oz Ginger beer
– 1/2 oz Amaro Montenegro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Slice of fresh mint
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the ginger-infused vodka, ginger beer, and amaro.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Creamy Amaro White Russian
This creamy twist on the classic White Russian cocktail combines the rich flavors of amaro with a velvety texture, perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce amaro (such as Fernet Branca)
– 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Ice
– Whipped cream and grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, amaro, and coffee liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Pour in the heavy cream slowly, allowing it to create a layered effect.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and grated nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Bitter Amaro Manhattan with Rye Whiskey
This classic cocktail gets a bitter twist by incorporating the complexity of amaro, perfectly balanced with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth. A perfect drink for those who appreciate a little bitterness in their cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz Carpano Antica sweet vermouth
– 1/4 oz Fernet-Branca amaro
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and amaro.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None required!
Lavender Amaro Collins
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique Lavender Amaro Collins recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or sophisticated sipping.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 1 oz amaro
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Splash of soda water
– Edible flowers or sprigs of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lavender syrup, and amaro.
3. Squeeze in lemon juice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
6. Top with soda water.
7. Garnish with edible flowers or rosemary sprigs.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 2 minutes
– Chill time: 0 minutes (serve immediately)
Note: To make lavender syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup dried lavender buds in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the syrup and discard solids. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Citrus Amaro Mojito with Lime and Mint
Refresh your summer gatherings with this vibrant twist on the classic mojito. The combination of citrusy amaro, zesty lime, and fragrant mint will transport you to a sun-kissed afternoon.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz citrus amaro (such as Averna or Montenegro)
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 oz club soda
– Ice
– Lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils.
2. Add rum, amaro, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Vanilla Amaro Espresso Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and creamy Vanilla Amaro Espresso Martini, perfect for a sophisticated evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka (preferably vanilla-flavored)
– 1/2 ounce amaro liqueur
– 1/2 ounce espresso or strong brewed coffee
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Ice
– Whipped cream and vanilla beans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, amaro liqueur, espresso, and sugar to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with whipped cream and vanilla beans, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Spiced Amaro Hot Toddy for Winter Nights
As the temperatures drop, a soothing hot toddy is just what you need to cozy up by the fireplace. This Spiced Amaro Hot Toddy recipe combines the richness of amaro with the warmth of spices and citrus, making it the perfect winter warmer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz amaro (such as Averna or Fernet)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup hot water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 3-4 whole cloves
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the hot water over low heat.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves to the water; let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the spices from the water and discard.
4. In a mug, combine the amaro, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
5. Pour the spiced water over the mixture.
6. Stir well to combine.
7. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Floral Amaro French 75 with Champagne
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic French 75, featuring the subtle flavors of amaro and a touch of floral notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz amaro (such as Averna or Cynar)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3-4 dashes of lavender bitters
– 1 cup champagne (preferably a dry or brut style)
– Edible flowers or sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, amaro, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add lavender bitters and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or coupe.
5. Top with champagne, holding back the foam with a spoon if desired.
6. Garnish with edible flowers or sprigs, if using.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Peach Amaro Bellini with Prosecco
Elevate your brunch game with this sweet and sophisticated cocktail, combining the flavors of ripe peaches, amaro, and Prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh peaches, diced
– 2 oz amaro (such as Averna or Fernet)
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 1/2 cup Prosecco
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the diced peaches until smooth.
2. Add the amaro and simple syrup to the peach puree and blend until well combined.
3. Fill a champagne flute with ice.
4. Pour 1/2 cup of Prosecco into the glass.
5. Top the Prosecco with 1-2 oz of the peach-amaro mixture, depending on your desired level of sweetness.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required!
Caramel Amaro Affogato with Vanilla Ice Cream
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and indulgent treat that combines the smoothness of vanilla ice cream, the deep flavor of caramel, and the subtle bitterness of amaro.
Ingredients:
– 1 scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream
– 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon of amaro liqueur (such as Averna or Fernet)
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a chilled glass or cup.
2. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the ice cream, allowing it to drizzle down the sides of the glass.
3. Pour 1 tablespoon of amaro liqueur over the caramel sauce.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with whipped cream and chopped nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dessert is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Caramel Amaro Affogato with Vanilla Ice Cream!
Smoky Amaro Paloma with Grapefruit
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic Paloma, featuring grapefruit’s tangy flavor and a hint of amaro.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 2 dashes smoked salt-infused bitters (see note)
– 2 oz Amaro Montenegro
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
– Ice
– Lime wedge, for serving
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add smoked salt-infused bitters and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with Amaro Montenegro.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make smoked salt-infused bitters, combine 1 cup of kosher salt with 1/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke in a small saucepan. Heat until dissolved, then let cool and strain into a glass bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Rosemary Amaro Gin Fizz
Rosemary Amaro Gin Fizz Recipe
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique fusion of botanicals and citrus. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Rosemary-infused Gin (see note)
– 1 oz Amaro
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
– Splash of Sparkling Water
– Ice
– Lemon Twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Rosemary-infused Gin, Amaro, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of Sparkling Water.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Note: To infuse gin, combine 1 cup gin with 1/4 cup chopped rosemary in an airtight container for at least 2 hours or overnight. Strain before using.
Passionfruit Amaro Caipirinha
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweet and tart flavors of passionfruit with the bold, herbal notes of amaro. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique twist on a classic caipirinha.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz passionfruit puree
– 1/2 oz amaro (such as Cynar or Nonino)
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– Ice
– Passionfruit seeds and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine rum, passionfruit puree, and amaro.
2. Add sugar and muddle gently to dissolve the sugar.
3. Fill the shaker with more ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few passionfruit seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Experience the perfect blend of refreshing and bold flavors with these 20 amaro cocktail recipes for summer nights. From classic twists to innovative creations, this collection has something for everyone. Try your hand at a Spicy Amaro Margarita or a Citrusy Amaro Spritz, or opt for a Herbal Amaro Negroni Twist or Smoky Amaro Old Fashioned. With flavors ranging from tropical pineapple to floral lavender, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next cocktail party. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for a new summer sipper, these recipes are sure to impress.
