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Cocktail Maestro

Coffee Amaro

The Coffee Amaro is a sophisticated, bittersweet cocktail that marries the bold, roasted depth of fresh coffee with the complex herbal notes of Italian amaro. Best served as an after-dinner drink or a late-night pick-me-up, this concoction delivers a smooth balance of bitterness, sweetness, and aromatic intrigue. It's the perfect cocktail for coffee aficionados and lovers of refined, layered flavors.

5 minutesMedium1 serving
Coffee Amaro
Featured
Ingredients
1 serving
  • Freshly brewed espresso (hot or chilled)
    45 ml (1.5 oz)
    Use a strong, high-quality espresso for best flavor
  • Amaro (such as Averna or Montenegro)
    45 ml (1.5 oz)
    Choose your favorite amaro for unique herbal complexity
  • Simple syrup
    15 ml (0.5 oz)
    Adjust to taste depending on sweetness preference
  • Coffee liqueur (like KahlĂşa)
    15 ml (0.5 oz)
    Enhances the coffee flavor and adds sweetness
  • Orange bitters
    2 dashes
    Brightens the profile and complements the amaro
Tools Needed
  • Shaker
  • Strainer
  • Jigger
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
Instructions
  1. Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice and setting aside.

  2. Add espresso, amaro, simple syrup, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters to a shaker filled with ice.

  3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.

  4. Discard the ice from your rocks glass and strain the mixture into the glass over fresh ice.

  5. Stir gently to blend flavors.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail
  • Bold coffee flavor with an herbal twist
  • Perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and aromatic notes
  • Ideal as an after-dinner digestif
  • Appeals to both coffee and cocktail lovers
  • Easily customizable with different amaro or coffee selections
History & Origin

The Coffee Amaro cocktail is a relatively modern creation, born from the evolving world of craft mixology. As bartenders sought to blend the rich traditions of Italian amaro with the global passion for specialty coffee, the Coffee Amaro emerged as a natural union. Its roots can be traced to the early 2010s, when coffee cocktails began to surge in popularity. Drawing inspiration from classic digestifs and contemporary espresso culture, the Coffee Amaro quickly became a favorite among those seeking a grown-up twist on coffee-based drinks.

Garnish

Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in. The oils from the orange peel enhance the herbal notes and add a fragrant citrus aroma.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 180 calories per serving, with moderate sugar content and low fat. Caffeine content will vary based on your espresso.

Frequently Asked Questions
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