This year has been rocky to say the least. Yet again the hospitality industry has been hit hard despite the optimism of the Eat out to help out scheme. With September coming to an end, those who extended the scheme will also face their footfall dwindling once more. However, we are hoping that with the extension of London Cocktail Week which will now run for the entire MONTH of October, the bars will be luring us back in with some special cocktails which will be on offer and let’s face it, we’ve all exhausted our Gin supply so we will be looking at some unique Gin alternatives to see us through London Cocktail Month that you can make from the comfort of your home.
This week the spotlight will be on;
Amaro Montenegro
A distinctly Italian Herbal Liqueur, you may recognise Amaro as the dark shot one is offered at the end of some fine Italian fayre, or you may not remember it at all… in my case. But make no mistake Amaro is making a comeback for the right reasons.
Our focus is on Amaro Montenegro who is one of the most well-establish spirit brands in Italy and now they are paving their way to the UK. Honestly, I thought this was the one and only brand of Amaro, they are THE ORIGINAL since 1885. It’s eye-catching bottle has graced many an Italian Bartenders’ shelf and we think it would be a great addition to your home bar.
Amaro (Italian for “bitter”) has a bitter- sweet flavour and a slight woodiness, makes sense considering Amaro Montenegro is made from over 40 botanicals. Amaro is usually enjoyed neat but with the dried citrus features, our perfect serve would be over tonic and ice which a slice of orange peel. I particularly enjoyed the warming syrupy feel Amaro has and while it would be a lovely spritz to have before a meal, the spicier notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves work perfectly for Winter.
Monte & Tonic
Ingredients:
Amaro 30ml
Tonic to the top
Dried Orange Peel to Garnish
(I like to add a dash of orange bitters)
Method:
Build in glass over lots of Ice. Enjoy.
And in the spirit of London Cocktail Week (Month) our favourite Amaro cocktail is…
Monterita
Ingredients:
50ml Amaro
25ml Blanco Tequila
30ml Lime Juice
Method:
Shake with lots of ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Now we’ve got you dreaming of Amaro Montenegro to find out more and for more cocktail recipes, visit
Alternatively, if you would like to support bars during London Cocktail Week who are serving delicious Amaro Montenegro cocktails, check out;
Amatitan Sour served at Disrepute Soho
Johnnie Highball served at Dalloway Terrace
Man about Town served at Donovan Bar @ Browns Hotel