Amarena Cherry Cocktail Recipe
Amarena Cherry Cocktail Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
- 1History
- 2How Amarena Cherry Cocktail Tastes?
- 3Interesting facts about Amarena Cherry Cocktail
- 4Ingredients 🍾
- 5Recipe. How to make Amarena Cherry Cocktail Drink 🍸
- 6Pro Tips
- 7Perfect Pairings
- 8What you could change in Amarena Cherry Cocktail
- 9Twists
- 10Additional Information
- 11Frequently Asked Questions
- 12More Similar Recipes!
History
The Amarena Cherry Cocktail is a delightful concoction that originated in Italy. The Amarena cherry is a small, dark, slightly sour cherry grown in the Bologna and Modena regions of Italy. This cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the cherry. It's perfect for those who enjoy a fruity, refreshing cocktail with a bit of a kick.
How Amarena Cherry Cocktail Tastes?
The Amarena Cherry Cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The sweetness of the cherry syrup is balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice, while the vodka adds a smooth, clean finish. The Amarena cherry garnish adds a touch of bitterness, making this cocktail a well-rounded, flavorful experience.
Interesting facts about Amarena Cherry Cocktail
- The Amarena cherry is a variety of wild cherry that is smaller and more sour than the typical cherry.
- This cocktail is traditionally served in a martini glass, garnished with an Amarena cherry.
- The Amarena Cherry Cocktail is often enjoyed as an aperitif, stimulating the appetite before a meal.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Amarena cherry syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Amarena cherry: 1 for garnish
A few good options for Amarena Cherry Cocktail are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
- Why: Vodka is a versatile spirit that provides a clean, neutral base, letting the bold flavors of Amarena cherry syrup shine. 2 oz is the golden measure for balance.
- Without It: You'd miss the kick and body of the cocktail; it'd be more of a cherry lemonade.
- Alternatives: Using gin might add a floral note, while rum could add sweetness and complexity.
Mary Mitkina
Amarena Cherry Syrup
- Why: Amarena cherry syrup gives a rich, sweet, and slightly tart cherry flavor that's iconic to the drink. 1 oz makes it sweet but not cloying.
- Without It: You'd lose out on the distinctive cherry taste and the drink's character.
- Alternatives: Maraschino liqueur can be an alternative but will have a lighter, more almond-like cherry flavor.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
- Why: The lemon juice adds acidity, which balances the sweetness of the syrup with a refreshing zing. 1 oz is perfect to cut through without overpowering.
- Without It: The drink would be overly sweet and lack contrast.
- Alternatives: Lime juice could work but would create a sharper, more tart profile.
Alex Green
Amarena Cherry
- Why: The single Amarena cherry is not just a garnish; it's a tasty morsel to finish off your drink, and adds a visual appeal.
- Without It: Purely aesthetic loss, but the final taste experience would be slightly less delightful.
- Alternatives: A Maraschino cherry could be used, though it’s sweeter and less complex in flavor.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Amarena Cherry Cocktail Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, Amarena cherry syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an Amarena cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the cocktail into it. This will keep your drink colder for longer.
- If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your cocktail, you can top it off with a splash of champagne.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheeses: A cheese platter featuring soft, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, which complement the sweet and tart notes of the cocktail.
- Charcuterie: Salty and savory cured meats can balance the sweetness of the Amarena cherry syrup.
Main Courses
- Grilled Poultry: Chicken or duck grilled with a fruit glaze, matching the fruity element of the cocktail.
- Pasta: Light pasta dishes with a creamy or butter-based sauce for a pleasant contrast.
Desserts
- Chocolate: Anything from dark chocolate truffles to a rich chocolate cake can accentuate the deep cherry flavors.
- Fruit Tarts: Lemon or mixed berry tarts that echo the cocktail's citrus notes.
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What you could change in Amarena Cherry Cocktail
If you don't have Amarena cherry syrup, you can substitute it with Maraschino cherry syrup. If you don't have vodka, you can use gin instead for a different flavor profile.
Explore all drinks starting with A here
And of course - twists🍹
Bourbon Bliss
- Substitute vodka with bourbon, adding a warm, rich depth.
- Garnish with an orange twist to complement the bourbon.
- Expect a heartier drink with a smoky undertone that’s perfect for cooler evenings.
Sparkling Sorbet
- Add a scoop of lemon sorbet into the glass before straining the cocktail over it.
- Top with sparkling water or prosecco for a fizzy lift.
- A playful, dessert-like version that's refreshing and perfect for summer afternoons.
Berrylicious Boost
- Muddle fresh raspberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Use raspberry vodka instead of plain for an extra berry punch.
- This twist will have a more pronounced berry flavor, enhancing the cocktail's fruity profile and adding a vibrant red color.
In case you forgot basics how to make Amarena Cherry Cocktail
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Amarena Cherry Cocktail
What's the difference between an Amarena cherry and other cherries?
Amarena cherries are specific variety of wild cherries that are smaller and more sour than typical cherries. They are also darker in color and have a unique flavor profile that distinguishes them from other cherries.
What is the best type of vodka to use in the Amarena Cherry Cocktail?
For the best taste, use a high-quality vodka. Premium vodkas usually have a smoother finish which can enhance the overall taste.
Can I make my own Amarena cherry syrup if I can't find one in stores?
Yes, you can make your own Amarena cherry syrup by simmering Amarena cherries with sugar and water until the mixture reaches a syrupy consistency.
Does the Amarena Cherry Cocktail require any special equipment?
In addition to common bar tools like a cocktail shaker and a strainer, this cocktail is traditionally served in a martini glass. It also highly recommended to chill your glass in the freezer before preparation.
Can I substitute the vodka in the Amarena Cherry Cocktail with a non-alcoholic alternative?
If you're looking for a mocktail version of the Amarena Cherry Cocktail, sparkling water or club soda can be used as non-alcoholic substitutes for the vodka.
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