Averna is a popular Italian Amaro worth adding to your collection! Here’s more about it and how to use it in cocktails.
Intrigued by Averna or wondering if it’s worth adding to your collection? This bittersweet Italian liqueur is trending, and with good reason: it absolutely is yummy. The sweet notes of caramel and hints of aniseed and honey make it a great candidate for sipping over ice: and there are many ways to mix it into cocktails. What is it and how does it fit into the Italian family? amari? Here is a brief overview of this popular liqueur.
What is Averne?
averna is a popular Italian amaro or bitter liqueur (amaro means “little bitter” in Italian). It is thick and dark brown in color, made by infusing roots, herbs, citrus fruits and other plants. It was originally made in Italy by Benedictine monks in the 1800s. In 1868, the secret recipe was gifted to a man named Salvatore Averna, who began making it in Sicily. It became popular throughout Italy and is now known all over the world.
Campari groupThe company that sells Campari and Aperol (among other liqueurs) bought Averna in 2014. It’s still made in Sicily.
How does Averna taste?
Amaro Averna has a spicy and herbaceous taste with hints of caramel, aniseed, citrus and honey. On the spectrum of amari From very bitter to very sweet, Averna falls somewhere in the middle. It’s an easy-drinking amaro that’s often enjoyed neat, with ice cubes, or in a cocktail. It is similar to dark brown Amari like Meletti and Cynar, but has a unique flavor due to the exclusive secret recipe.
How much alcohol is in Averna? It has 29% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a medium alcohol content. Compared to other amari, Averna lies between the middle and upper ends. For example, Aperol is the lowest alcohol at 11% ABV, Cynar is the highest at 16.5% ABV, Campari at 24% ABV and Fernet-Branca at 40-45% ABV (same level as whisky, rum, vodka and gin) . ). ).
Is there a replacement for Averna? Replace it with another dark, herbal, and sweet amaro. Some good options include Over him, Nonino (see paper plane) or Amaro Tosolini (see Brooklyn) or Early (see those Cynar cocktails).
Why we love it
Averna is packed with mesmerizing bittersweet caramel flavors and we’re always ready for another amari to add to our collection! We love it in a Black Manhattan or mixed with sparkling water. Better still, try the Averna cocktails below.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liqueurs, Averna is average price. A 750ml bottle costs about $30.
The most popular Averna cocktails
Averna is delicious neat or over ice, or you can mix it into drinks. Don’t want to follow a recipe? Mix it with sparkling water to make a makeshift vaporizer. Or check out these favorite Averna cocktails:
One of the best ways to use Averna in cocktails? Prepare an Averna Spritz! This drink contains this popular Italian bitters in a sparkling, bittersweet and absolutely refreshing cocktail. A cousin of the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz, using Averna gives it a brilliant golden brown and almost cola flavor with hints of caramel and herbs.
Ingredients: Averna, Prosecco, mineral water
Get the recipe
The most popular Averna cocktail? Black Manhattan! This elegant drink replaces sweet vermouth with this special Italian amaro. It’s strong and alcoholic, like any good Manhattan, but with hints of caramel and chocolate on the finish. This one is unique.
Ingredients: Averna, Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, Bitters
Get the recipe
Why not try Averna in a Negroni? This intriguing spin features Averna in place of the standard Campari. This results in a bitter and smooth Negroni that we think is more interesting to drink! (In this recipe, you’re swapping out Averna for its Amaro cousin, Cynar.) It’s even better than the original.
Ingredients: Amaro, gin, sweet vermouth
Get the recipe
If you’re a big fan of homemade cocktails, here’s a must-have drink: the paper airplane! This is a brilliant study in balance and contrast. It is bitter, sweet and spicy at the same time, creating a magical synergy between bourbon and amaro. Redeem in Averna for the Amaro Nonino.
Ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Aperol, Averna, Lemon Juice
Get the recipe
Here’s another unique Averna cocktail on the Manhattan: the Brooklyn cocktail! The Brooklyn is similarly edgy, with a few special twists to add nuance. Maraschino liqueur and dry vermouth add intrigue and round off the taste of this sophisticated drink. Redeem in Averna for the Amaro Tosolini.
Ingredients: Rye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur, Averna
Get the recipe
The description
The classic 3-2-1 spray ratio results in a sparkling Averna Spritz! It’s a great way to enjoy the sweet and sour notes of caramel in this Italian amaro.
- 2 ounces* Amaro Averna, chilled
- 3 ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
- 1 ounce Carbonated water
- Ice cream (try clear ice!)
- To garnish: slice of lemon, a straw if you like
- Pour the amaro into a glass filled with ice and stir. Top up with sparkling wine and soda water.
- Squeeze the lemon slice and stir gently, then serve. Serve with a straw to minimize dilution!
Remarks
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
- Category: drink
- Method: shakes
- Kitchen: cocktails
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: Averna, Averna Cocktails
More cocktail guides
Need more alcohol guides? We know it ! Here’s everything you need to know about home bartending:
