Cardamaro Cocktail Recipe

The Cardamaro cocktail is a modern twist on the classic Negroni, substituting Cardamaro, a wine-based amaro, for the traditional Campari. This gives the cocktail a sweeter, less bitter taste. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a more nuanced, complex cocktail experience.

The Cardamaro cocktail is a balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors. The Cardamaro lends a rich, wine-like sweetness, while the gin adds a botanical complexity. The vermouth rounds out the cocktail with a hint of bitterness.

• The Cardamaro cocktail is named after the Cardamaro amaro, which is made from cardoon, a relative of the artichoke.
• Despite its sweetness, the Cardamaro cocktail is quite strong, with a high alcohol content.
• The Cardamaro cocktail is often garnished with an orange twist, which adds a bright, citrusy note to the drink.

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add 2 oz of Cardamaro, 1 oz of gin, and 1 oz of sweet vermouth.
3. Stir well until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

• Use a high-quality gin for the best flavor.
• Make sure to chill your cocktail glass before serving for the best experience.

Appetizers

• Olives & Salted Nuts: The botanicals in the gin and herbal notes from Cardamaro complement salty and briny flavors.
• Charcuterie Boards: The savory cured meats and mixed cheeses balance the sweetness of the vermouth and the bittersweet Cardamaro.
• Dark Chocolate: The slight bitterness of dark chocolate matches the deep, complex notes in the cocktail.

Main Courses

• Roasted Duck: Its richness pairs well with the warming herbal quality of the cocktail.
• Grilled Vegetables: Smoky and earthy flavors will resonate with the botanicals in the drink.

Desserts

• Tiramisu: The mascarpone's creaminess and the coffee's bitterness align with the sweet and aromatic profile of the cocktail.

• If you don't have Cardamaro, you can substitute it with another wine-based amaro.
• If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can use dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth.

Honey Cardamaro Fizz

Swap the sweet vermouth for honey syrup (1/2 oz) and add a splash of soda water. You'll create a lighter, effervescent drink that hums with a subtle sweetness, perfect for a summer's eve. Ingredients: Cardamaro, Gin, Honey Syrup, Soda Water Recipe: Follow the original recipe, substituting honey syrup for sweet vermouth and top with soda.

Spiced Cardamaro Negroni

Let's invite Campari (1 oz) to the mix, replacing the sweet vermouth. The result is a zesty, slightly more bitter cousin with a warm spice undertone—ideal for those who appreciate a good plot twist. Ingredients: Cardamaro, Gin, Campari Recipe: Follow the original but swap vermouth for Campari. Stir, strain, and serve with an orange twist.

Cardamaro Martini

For a drier profile, let vermouth sit this dance out and double the gin. Add a dash of orange bitters to highlight the orange twist's citrus notes. Ingredients: Cardamaro, Gin, Orange Bitters Recipe: Pour 2 oz Cardamaro, 2 oz gin, and a dash of orange bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain and garnish with an orange twist.