We are in the Abruzzo region in the Giro d’Italia. Thirsty?
In that case, you’ll want a stylish cocktail with amaro as an ingredient. Or perhaps just pour yourself a small glass and drink it straight, perhaps on the rocks.
Amaro is a type of Italian herbal liqueur that’s been around for centuries — like most things in Italy. The name “amaro” comes from the Italian word for “bitter,” which accurately describes the drink’s overall taste.
While there can be a wide variety of amaros, the basics are about steeping a variety of herbs, roots, and other botanicals in alcohol, and then sweetening the mixture with sugar or honey. That combo creates a complex and unique flavor profile that balances the bitter and sweet.
I first discovered amaro as an ingredient in one of my now favorite cocktails — the Paper Plane. It’s an equal parts mix of bourbon, aperol, amaro and lemon juice. Liquor.com specifies Amaro Nonino Quintessentia but I actually prefer the less expensive Ramazzotti, which is slightly more perfumed. There’s a nice overview of amaros at Saveur.
While I prefer gin-based drinks, this was my gateway drug for bourbon. It’s absolutely fabulous and the Paper Plane has definitely taken off in bars everywhere. For a bit more on the drink, I recommend this read.
Why not cue up a replay of today’s stage seven in the Giro and watch the riders torture themselves up the endless climb of the Gran Sasso d’Italia as you sip your Paper Plane. It’s going to make the Giro that much better.
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