Cocktails with Amaro
Amaro is a family of bittersweet Italian herbal liqueurs, usually brown, traditionally served after a meal as a digestivo.
ABV16–40%
Substitutes for Amaro
Amaro in the same style
Trade a rich amaro for another rich one, and a light one for another light one. Swap one for one.
Jägermeister
Will do in a pinch, though it is less sweet and has its own herbal profile.
Fernet
Far drier and more bitter. Start with half the measure and add a little syrup to taste.
Vermouth
Lighter and far less bitter, so it gives a softer drink.
Red bitter liqueur
Bitter and sweet at once, with little of an amaro’s caramel depth. Expect a sharper drink.
Description
The category has settled into styles: light and floral (Montenegro), caramel and middling-bitter (Averna), artichoke-led (Cynar) or rhubarb-led (Zucca), alpine and piney (Braulio), and the mentholic fernets.
Storage
Spirit-based amaro keeps well once opened, thanks to its high sugar and alcohol. Wine-based styles are less stable, so refrigerate the bottle after opening.
