If you work in or frequent a cocktail bar, you might notice your favorite bartender’s affinity for amaro, specifically Fernet-Branca. Known as the “bartender handshake,” offering a shot of this popular liqueur is a way for industry professionals to show respect for old colleagues or welcome new mixologists into the fold. It’s also a great way to celebrate the end of a long, tiring shift with your coworkers.
In essence, it’s a friendly handshake or high five that’s more or less made of booze instead of hands. But why do bartenders seem to love amaro, and what exactly is it?
What is amaro?
Amaro is Italian for bitter. It should come as no surprise that this type of liqueur is known for its herbal, semisweet, bitter flavor profile. Originating in Italy, this digestif (or digetivo in Italian) is created to be sipped neat after a heavy meal to aid in digestion. While recipes vary by brand, amaro is generally made by starting with a base spirit (usually a neutral spirit) and macerating herbs, fruits, bark, spices, and other ingredients. Often, a sweetener is added to level out the bitterness.
It’s known for its balanced, complex bittersweet flavor profile, ranging from botanical and herbal to bitter, earthy, and even smoky. Flavors include orange peel, anise, mint, juniper, gentian root, vanilla, cola, and even medicinal, menthol, savory, and vegetal notes. Some of the most well-known brands include Aperol, Montenegro, Cynar, Averna, and the aforementioned Fernet-Branca.
Why do bartenders love amaro?
While all of that sounds well and good, you might be wondering why bartenders and hospitality workers have such an affinity for amaro. On top of the aforementioned “bartender’s handshake,” mixologists love amaro for its versatility and its impact in terms of added depth and bitterness in cocktails.
But, in addition to being used in cocktails, amaro is beloved as a shot after a long shift behind the bar, often shared with bartenders, servers, and anyone else getting ready to head home. To add to that, since amaro is known for its digestive properties, it’s believed to be a great hangover cure the day after an evening spent imbibing on your day off.
Must-try amaro for home bartenders
It’s time to add some to your home bar. Even if you aren’t a real bartender, you can enjoy the herbal, bittersweet flavor either in shot form or mixed into your favorite cocktail to add a change of pace. Keep scrolling to see some of the can’t-miss amaros.
Photo via Amaro Montenegro
Amaro Montenegro
If you’re only going to buy one amaro, make it Amaro Montenegro. Made in Bologna, Italy, since 1885, this Italian herbal liqueur is made with a secret recipe of herbs, botanicals, and other ingredients. While most of the 40 ingredients are kept secret, it’s known to feature coriander, bitter oranges, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and more. This results in a memorable, multi-layered liqueur that begins with a nose of candied orange peels, cinnamon, and herbal notes. The palate is centered on coriander, citrus zest, and baking spices. The finish is herbal and bittersweet, leaving you craving more.
Photo via Fernet-Branca
Fernet-Branca
You don’t have to be a bartender to love Fernet-Branca. Made the same way since 1845, this 36% ABV herbal liqueur is made with a base of neutral spirit made from grapes and a secret recipe of 27 botanicals, roots, herbs, and spices. Some known ingredients include gentian root, saffron, chinchona, and rhubarb. It gets its depth of flavor from being matured for a year in oak barrels. Nosing reveals notes of aloe, menthol, and spices. Sipping it reveals hints of gentian root, cinnamon, and mint. The finish is long, warm, and ends with herbal menthol.
Photo via Total Wine
Amaro Sfumato Rabarbaro
If smoke is more of your thing, you’re going to love Amaro Sfumato Rabarbaro. This 40-proof Italian liqueur is made with a variety of ingredients, including Chinese rhubarb, burnt sugar, and select Alpine herbs. Often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it’s known for its sweet, smoky, gently herbal flavor profile that sets it apart from some of its amaro counterparts. Before your first sip, you’ll be met with aromas of citrus peels, earthy pine, baking spices, and gentle smoke. The palate is centered on notes of dried fruits, caramelized sugar, herbs, and more sweet smoke. The finish is smoky, bitter, herbal, and highly memorable.
Photo via Amaro Averna
Amaro Averna
Produced since 1860 in Sicily, Amaro Averna will be a welcome addition to your home bar cart for sipping neat, on the rocks, or mixed into your favorite cocktail, adding depth and semisweet flavor. This 29% ABV herbal liqueur is made with a secret recipe of 60 ingredients, including bitter orange, licorice, sage, rosemary, mint, juniper, and more. The result is a memorable, balanced amaro that opens with anise, cola, citrus peels, and spices. Sipping it brings flavors like caramelized sugar, orange peels, licorice, and a ton of herbal notes. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a mix of vegetal, sweet, and herbal notes.
