LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2021

101

In many Italian households, the best way to cap off a special dinner is with a glass of amaro, served neat. Amaro, which means “bitter” in Italian, was originally invented as a health tonic for stomach aches, which is how after-dinner digestivo culture got its start. Since many are still being made according to the original recipe, some taste slightly medicinal— but in a good way. Because most amaro is made from family recipes that involve umpteen different herbs and spices, they don’t really need a lot of help in the flavour department. But that doesn’t stop bartenders, many of whom are obsessed with amaro, from trying to put their own spin on these bitter spirits by show­ casing them in new cocktails.

That’s Amaro! Straight up, on the rocks, with a twist or in a cocktail, there’s no wrong way to drink amaro. Get to know one of the world’s most versatile spirits with this guide to Italian bitters.

By Christine Sismondo | photography by darren kemper

135

FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2021