Amaro *Amari is the plural* is that uniquely Italian low alcohol, bitter - sweet beverage made with herbs, spices, etc. Often used after dinner to aid in digestion, it’s equally as often used in the creation of unique cocktails.
My introduction to a new Amaro began with a taste testing. I conducted a taste test the other night with a small party, kind of an international party, some people from England. Well, truth be known it was one person from England. But she had been to Italy and she was aware of such exotic Italian liquors has "grappa". So that says it all!
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| This was NOT our taste testing. |
What caused me to begin this Amaro exploration was an introduction to a cocktail – "The Alpha-Romeo cocktail”. I looked at the ingredients and it seemed to indicate that might be something that my girlfriend would like in as much as she's not a great fan of Campari. No fan at all of Campari. And this recipe spoke of CYNAR which I understand is pronounced as CHEE – nahr.
So, I took it upon myself to pick up a bottle and explore this Amaro which describes itself as a “gateway” to Amaro & liqueurs.*
As an aside - I have begun or re-initiated discussion of or research on Amari and bitters. So this fit right into both my research and inquisitiveness about this Italian liqueur.
Cynar is produced in the Milan region of Italy. It is principally based on artichokes along with the other gazillion herbs that these people have researched & conducted over decades and hundreds of years.
As we tasted, we all seem to agree that we felt it was a sweeter tasting Amaro, which had similarities to Campari. And I had read that the company indicates that it is not as sweet as Aperol. Nor as bitter as Campari.
I suppose this will act as "digestif" as well as a base for a cocktail. So, it'll be an interesting exploration as we proceed to investigate further using it to make cocktails or otherwise having an on a rock.
Partial list of Amari
Campari*
Cynar
Fernet branca
Ramazotti
Aperol
and many, many others
* also recognized as a “bitter liqueur”
Amari should not be confused with the “bitters” that you use in making your cocktails. You do use bitters, C’Exact? Oui!
Le Cocktail
The Apha-Romeo Cocktail
Source: Diffords Guide online
2 oz | |
1⁄2 oz | |
1⁄3 oz | |
1⁄6 oz | Strucchi Red Bitter (Campari-style liqueur) refer to editor's note. |
2 drop |
Editors note – I am using Cynar for the Strucchi Red Bitter
Appetizer - Raclette cheese toasted on French bread, dash of Grey Poupon
Music – Spotify playlist from Professor T
Ciao!
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