Amaro Tasting in Calabria- What's the deal with Amaro?

Amaro Tasting at Capo Vaticano

Vaticinium Amaro at tasting

Amaro tasting at Capo Vaticano

🍹🇮🇹 Ciao, cocktail aficionados! 🇮🇹🍹

If you've strutted your stuff through the charming streets of Italy, chances are you've been inducted into the Amaro Appreciation Society – that secret club where flavors swirl, and tongues dance! 🕺💃 Picture this: you're just completed yet another epic meal in Italy, and out comes Amaro. It's like the James Bond of after-dinner drinks – suave, mysterious, and always leaving an impression.

Let's talk flavors. Amaros flaunt a range that could make a rainbow blush. We've got earthy tones, botanicals that'll have you envisioning a walk through Nonnas garden, and spicy kicks that'll wake up your taste buds like Pavarotti hitting a high note.

My journey to the Calabria region turned my sunset aperitivo into some Amaro-infused fun. That regular aperitivo hour? Pfft, who needs it when you can dive into an Amaro orchestra? It's like replacing your bicycle with a Ferrari – pure Italian indulgence. Think you've never really found "your" flavor? Well, an Amaro tasting is your passport to flavor enlightenment. It really helped me narrow down my preferences. My incredible bartender, Manuel, at the beautiful resort I was staying at (Capovaticano Resort & Spa) also gave me some high quality (obviously, it's Italy) dark chocolate to compliment the Amari. I'd suggest doing the same, and sipping slowly.

Hold onto your cocktail shakers, because this is where the magic happens.

What is Amaro?

Amaro (translation: bitter in Italiano) is a classic Italian liqueur known as a digestif. Traditionally, it's like the pre-game to your palate, setting the stage before the main culinary spectacle or swooping in post-feast to lend a hand in digestion. How's that for multitasking?

How do you drink it?

Well – it's a revolutionary technique called using your mouth! Classic Amaro style demands a neat rendezvous at room temperature. Earthy, spicy, and everything nice-y, these liquid treasures bring a touch of Italy to your palate.

Is it available in America? Absolutely! Apart from our trusty undercover agent, Aperol (more on that later!), many Amari can be found gracing the menus of cocktail bars and restaurants across the US. Talented mixologists have embraced the Amaro magic, conjuring up delightful concoctions that'll leave you spellbound. My favorite happens to be a cocktail called a "Paper Plane". A mix of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon juice. Ever had an Aperol Spritz? Hold onto your cocktail umbrellas – here comes the plot twist! That iconic Aperol, with its vibrant orange charm, is none other than the secret agent of the Amaro world! But don't stop at Aperol; many delightful Amari lurk in the shadows of cocktail menus, ready to surprise and delight your taste buds. What's my favorite? While I've always had a soft spot for Aperol and Campari, recent years have seen my palate venture into exciting territory. Cynar, made from artichokes, is not an Amaro beginners drink but delicious in a kind of medicinal way. Amaro Nonino and Amaro di Capo are also up there as my favs. During this particular tasting adventure in Capo Vaticano, I stumbled upon Jefferson Amaro, hailing straight from the sun-kissed Calabria region. It was like discovering a hidden treasure right under my nose!

So, fellow flavor enthusiasts, embrace Amaro – the Italian artisan that elevates your sipping game.