From an ‘ammazzacaffè’ to a trendy drink: 4 recipes to try with bitters

For years, Italians associated bitters with an ammazzacaffè or a digestif to be drunk after a big lunch or a hearty dinner. In fact, the concentrated herbs in most Italian bitters make them perfect for this purpose. However, it is definitely a somewhat restricted role, which does not make the most of them or do justice to their ancient tradition and history.

Bitters have made a comeback in recent years. Credit for this revival undoubtedly goes to barmen, who began to use them in cocktails creating new recipes or putting a different twist on the classics, but also to young people, who are increasingly interested in good drinks.

Many famous brands have also created cocktails with their own recipes made from bitters that we can find in bars and clubs.

Here at Vinhood, we have tried to categorize the world of liquors and bitters with our #Characters. We have identified 6 types in this article, each of which has special characteristics, while 4 of them are dedicated to bitters and another 2 are made with sweet liquors.

Starting from this line of thinking, we thought we would highlight 4 cocktails made from bitters which go with each character. They are either new recipes or different twists on famous cocktails that you can also make at home.

4 COCKTAILS MADE FROM BITTERS THAT YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME

1. #DARING: a sharp bitter, rich in complex aromas. Names like Braulio Riserva, Cynar, Genzianotto and Unicum belong to this category. We wanted to pair this #Character with a bold Italian cocktail like Spritz but given a different twist where we added Braulio instead of the classic Aperol and Campari. Its herbs go brilliantly either with prosecco or with club soda, making it perfect for an aperitif with friends. We particularly recommend it during winter. How do you make it? You need to use 5/6 of prosecco, 1/6 of Amaro Braulio and two splashes of club soda. Lastly, decorate it with half a slice of orange.
2. #REFINED: a soft, elegant bitter. Names like Averna Riserva, Montenegro and Luxardo Abano belong to this category. This #Character is highly suitable for a chic cocktail like an Americano with its slightly bitter flavor and a light citrusy note. The classic recipe uses a mix of Campari bitter, red vermouth and club soda, three Italian ingredients (despite its name). By swapping Vermouth for Averna, we have created the “Americano Sbagliato”, an elegant cocktail perfect with quick bites. We recommend putting ice up to the top of the glass, and then pouring in Averna, Campari bitter and a splash of club soda. Mix for a few seconds and decorate with half a small slice of orange and some lemon peel.
3. #CRAFTY: a gentle bitter, very fresh and easy to drink. Names like Amaro del Capo, Lucano, Amara and Campari belong to this category. We wanted to pair this #Character with a cocktail made from Amaro del Capo. It is called “Capo Tonic”, a fresh, bubbly cocktail, perfect for having fun during those warmer summers. It is very easy to make: pour Vecchio Amaro del Capo into a glass with some ice. Add bergamot tonic water and lime juice and then mix everything together thoroughly. Decorate with a wedge of lime.
4. #IRONIC: a refreshing bitter with hints of mint. Names like Branca Menta, Jager and Amaro Mentha belong to this category. Irony goes well with something particularly fresh and aromatic. Ever heard of a “Mintonic”? It is a cocktail made from Brancamenta, tonic water, cane sugar, lime juice and mint leaves. It is perfect for mid-summer evenings together with friends, perhaps enjoyed for sunsets at the beach with some background music. It is easy to make. Crush up a teaspoon of cane sugar, add the lime juice, mint leaves and crushed ice, then pour in 1/5 of Brancamenta and 4/5 of tonic water and voilà, you’re done!

So, are you ready to make your own cocktail from bitters? Which one do you like best?