Discover the Amaro Sour: A Bittersweet Masterpiece from Brad Thomas Parsons’ Definitive Cookbook
The culinary and cocktail world is constantly evolving, bringing new flavors and traditions into the spotlight. Among the most exciting recent trends is Amaro, a category of bittersweet, herbal liqueurs that hails from Italy. This captivating spirit has inspired countless mixologists and home enthusiasts, finding its way into classic and innovative drinks alike. One such brilliant adaptation is the Amaro Sour, a delightful twist on the perennial favorite, the whiskey sour. This particular rendition, as featured in Brad Thomas Parsons’ acclaimed book, “Amaro: The Spirited World of Bittersweet, Herbal Liqueurs with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,” perfectly encapsulates why Amaro is not just a trend, but a foundational element in modern mixology.
The Allure of Amaro: A Personal Spirited Discovery
Admittedly, before encountering Parsons’ comprehensive guide, my experience with Amaro was virtually non-existent. It’s somewhat ironic, given the considerable time I’ve spent exploring Italy, where Amaro is not merely a drink but a cherished cultural institution, often enjoyed as an aperitif before meals or a digestif afterward. However, during those earlier travels, my palate hadn’t yet fully awakened to the sophisticated nuances of bitter liqueurs, nor was I as deeply immersed in the vibrant world of craft cocktails as I am today. Now, thanks to this transformative book, I feel as though an entirely new dimension of flavor has been unlocked for me – a rich, complex profile that harmoniously balances sweetness with an intriguing herbal bitterness. This discovery has been nothing short of a revelation, inspiring a fresh wave of cocktail experimentation and a profound appreciation for these unique Italian spirits.
Brad Thomas Parsons’ “Amaro” Cookbook: A Definitive Guide
Brad Thomas Parsons’ book, “Amaro: The Spirited World of Bittersweet, Herbal Liqueurs with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,” is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s an immersive journey into the history, production, and versatile applications of Amaro. The sheer quality and perfect balance of the recipes within its pages genuinely took me by surprise. It’s rare to find a cocktail book that immediately compels you to try a handful of recipes straight away. Typically, my approach involves a leisurely read-through, perhaps attempting one or two drinks, and then revisiting it occasionally for new inspiration. However, Parsons’ book is different. It’s an invitation to explore, to taste, and to truly understand the depth of these fascinating liqueurs. From the moment I delved in, I found myself eager to experiment, captivated by the promise of new flavors and techniques.
Why Amaro is the Next Big Thing in Cocktails
The modern cocktail landscape thrives on innovation and a return to artisanal ingredients, making Amaro a perfect fit. Its complex flavor profile—ranging from earthy and herbaceous to citrusy and subtly spicy—adds an unparalleled depth to drinks. Unlike simpler liqueurs, Amaro offers layers of botanical notes that can complement a wide array of spirits, from the robust character of bourbon to the bright zest of gin. This versatility has propelled Amaro from an obscure Italian digestif to a beloved staple in bars worldwide. Parsons’ book brilliantly showcases this versatility, illustrating how Amaro can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key component in sophisticated cocktails. It truly is a testament to the ongoing craft cocktail movement and the desire for more nuanced and engaging drinking experiences.
Crafting the Perfect Amaro Sour: A Modern Classic
As soon as I truly tasted Amaro on its own, appreciating its intricate layers, I knew I had to explore its potential in as many cocktails as possible. This quest for understanding its depth and flexibility led me directly to the Amaro Sour, a recipe that serves as a perfect entry point into Amaro’s world. The cocktail book, with its approachable style, masterfully guides both the cocktail novice and the seasoned expert through the nuances of Amaro and other bitters. The Amaro Sour, in particular, stands out as a simple yet profoundly satisfying drink, making it an ideal introduction for anyone curious about incorporating these bittersweet liqueurs into their home bar repertoire.
The Magic of Flavor Pairing: Amaro and Bourbon
The Amaro Sour ingeniously marries the robust, oaky notes of bourbon with the complex, bittersweet profile of Amaro. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that is both familiar and excitingly new. The lemon juice provides the essential tartness that defines any “sour” cocktail, while a touch of simple syrup ensures perfect balance, mellowing the bitterness and harmonizing the spirits. This interplay of sweet, sour, and bitter is what makes the Amaro Sour so compelling. It’s a testament to the idea that complementary flavors, even those that seem disparate, can create a truly remarkable drinking experience. The choice of Amaro is crucial here; lighter, more “user-friendly” options like Amaro Lucano, Luxardo Amaro Abano, or Averna are recommended to gently introduce the palate to this unique category.
The Jeffrey Morgenthaler Influence
The recipe for this Amaro Sour is built upon the foundational wisdom of celebrated bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler, known for crafting what he famously calls the “best amaretto sour in the world.” His refined specifications, which transformed the often-maligned amaretto sour into a drink of elegance and balance, are cleverly adapted here by swapping amaretto for Amaro. This thoughtful substitution elevates the cocktail, introducing a layer of sophisticated bitterness and herbal complexity that perfectly complements the bourbon and citrus. It’s a brilliant example of how classic cocktail templates can be reinterpreted with new ingredients to create exciting and modern variations.
Mastering the Amaro Sour Recipe (and Cocktail Techniques)
Beyond simply providing recipes, Parsons’ book empowers readers to delve deeper into the world of Amaro, even offering instructions on how to create your own Amaro from scratch if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. While crafting my own bespoke Amaro might be a fascinating project for a quieter season, the immediate gratification of mixing an Amaro Sour is perfectly suited for the hustle and bustle of a busy holiday period. Instead of embarking on a lengthy distillation process, I’ll be found unwinding with a perfectly balanced Amaro Sour, or perhaps just a measured pour of Amaro neat, savoring its complexity as I kick off my holiday celebrations. The key to any great sour, including this one, lies in the “dry shake” technique, which emulsifies the egg white to create that iconic, velvety froth, enhancing both the texture and visual appeal of the drink.
Beyond the Sour: Exploring Amaro’s Potential
The Amaro Sour is merely one entry point into the vast and rewarding world of Amaro. These bittersweet liqueurs are incredibly versatile, offering a spectrum of uses beyond just cocktails. Many Amari are delightful served simply on their own, either neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing their intricate botanical profiles to shine. As traditional Italian aperitifs, they awaken the palate before a meal, while as digestifs, they aid in digestion and provide a comforting, flavorful conclusion to dining. Parsons’ book encourages this broader appreciation, inspiring readers to experiment with different Amaro varieties and discover their preferred methods of enjoyment, whether in sophisticated mixed drinks or as a standalone sipper.
Your Guide to Amaro Varieties for the Perfect Sour
When crafting your Amaro Sour, the choice of Amaro plays a significant role in the final flavor profile. As Brad Thomas Parsons suggests, opting for lighter, more approachable “gateway” Amaros is ideal for those new to the category. Amaro Lucano, with its balanced sweetness and subtle spice, offers a gentle introduction. Luxardo Amaro Abano provides a slightly more herbaceous character while remaining incredibly smooth. Averna, a widely available and popular choice, boasts notes of orange, licorice, and myrrh, delivering a beautifully rounded bitterness. Each of these options will create a distinctly delicious Amaro Sour, inviting you to explore the subtle differences and find your personal favorite for this fantastic cocktail.
Embrace the Bittersweet Journey
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious novice, Brad Thomas Parsons’ “Amaro” cookbook and the Amaro Sour recipe within it offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore a captivating and increasingly popular category of spirits. This book is not just a collection of recipes; it’s an education, a source of inspiration, and a gateway to a richer, more flavorful drinking experience. So, grab your shaker, choose your Amaro, and prepare to embark on a delightful bittersweet journey.
Disclosure: I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
Check out the link below the recipe to purchase the book for yourself.
Amaro Sour
Mixing up my boozy and sugary analogies, Amaro and bourbon comes close to topping the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate. It isn’t surprising that many American bartenders embracing the use of Amaro in cocktails will reach for a classic American spirit like bourbon to pair it with. The Amaro Sour template allows you to mix and match your bourbon with Amaro, creating endless variations on this delightful drink. I recommend complementing the bourbon with a lighter, user-friendly, gateway Amaro like Amaro Lucano, Luxardo Amaro Abano, or Averna rather than going to the dark end of the bracingly medicinal spectrum, especially if you’re new to these bittersweet liqueurs. Portland bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler makes the self-proclaimed “best amaretto sour in the world,” and I—along with legions of bartenders—agree with him. It’s his updated specs that are on display here, swapping the amaretto for Amaro, lending a sophisticated, herbaceous depth. I like this served with a frothy head on the rocks, providing a rich texture, but you can also try it served up in a chilled coupe glass for a more elegant presentation. This cocktail is a perfect introduction to the world of Amaro, showcasing its versatility and delicious harmony with other spirits.
ingredients
- 1½ ounces Amaro
- ¾ ounce bourbon
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Garnish: lemon zest and cocktail cherry
instructions
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Combine all the ingredients except the garnish in a cocktail shaker and dry shake (without ice) for at least 10 seconds to fully incorporate the egg white, creating that essential frothy texture.
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Add ice and continue shaking until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a double old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
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Garnish with the vibrant lemon zest and a classic cocktail cherry to complete this exquisite drink.