The recent wave of new herbal liqueurs is proving a boon to contemporary mixology. In addition to fueling the growing resurgence of single shot drinks, the bitter herbal components are ideal at balancing the overly sweet, savory or acidic characteristics present in a wide range of cocktails. These herbal newcomers are dynamic and versatile products, which to a large degree is why the mixology community is so warmly embracing them.
Harlem Kruiden Liqueur is an excellent example. Crafted with surgical precision by the producers of Ketel One Vodka, the 80-proof liqueur has a lightweight, velvety textured body and lavish bouquet of fresh citrus, sarsaparilla, mocha and classic earthy notes. The nose is complex, heady and thoroughly captivating—the best in the business by a long shot. On the palate the liqueur is soothing and singularly delicious.
Another franchise player grabbing the headlines is recently released Angostura di Amaro, a brilliant, 70-proof herbal liqueur that must be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated. Its long-lasting, palate-warming flavors combine to be a culinary triumph.
As is the case with the Harlem Kruiden, Angostura di Amaro is elegant enough to be drunk by itself or used in crafting artisanal cocktails. Graced with tremendous finesse, it’s at once herbal, spicy warm and bittersweet. The nose features the aromas of bitter orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom and its palate reminiscent of iconic Angostura Bitters. Its extended finish is sublime.
Classy Bitter Imports
Although it originated in 1919 in Padova, Italy, most American have only recently become acquainted with Aperol, a bright red/orange aperitif acclaimed for its calming, restorative properties. Relatively low in alcohol, 22-proof, Aperol has gained traction behind American bars for its mildly bitter, fruity and herbal personality and broad range of drink making applications.
Aperol is a precisely balanced blend of bitter orange peels, gentian, rhubarb and cinchona and various other herbs and botanicals. It’s lightweight and generously aromatic. On the palate, the aperitif has prominent citrus and herbal flavors that gradually fade into a slightly floral, spicy and bittersweet orange finish.
Its delicate bitterness and dry citrus components make it a natural modifier in cocktails, as well as enjoying chilled as an aperitif. To know Aperol is to love Aperol.
Existing on the other end of the spectrum, Killepitsch Kraüter Herbal Bitter Liqueur is a bold and assertive German import compounded with over 90 different ingredients—roots, herbs, spices and fruit. The deep crimson-colored liqueur has a fruit, pepper and herbal bouquet, a viscous full body and a semisweet palate of caramel, black pepper and ripe red fruit. The finish is a sweet medley of chocolate, citrus and menthol.
Relatively high in alcohol at 84-proof, Killepitsch is an earthy, muscular product guaranteed to build character and add delightful bitter, spicy notes to mixed drinks. One German web site lauded the attributes of mixing the bitter liqueur with tonic. Good advice.
Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur of the Alps is a 70-proof break from convention. Made in the Austrian Alps, the liqueur derives its alluring qualities from the fruit of the Arolla Stone Pine. The liqueur has a fresh, crisp array of forest-born aromas, most notably that of pine, cedar, dried herbs and sappy menthol. Best-known in the drinks community for its invigorating aromatics, Zirbenz also has a marvelous herbal and peppery palate with a pronounced bitter finish.
Those looking for a secret ingredient of sorts to help distinguish their cocktail from the rest of the field, Zirbenz is definitely on the short list.
Amaro Threesome
Today the world’s finest amaro bitter liqueurs can be found showcased on American backbars. Among the select group is Fernet Branca, a barrel-aged blend of 27 herbs and spices. The aromatic, mahogany colored bitters is exceptionally spicy with a lingering bitter finish. Favored for its healthful benefits, Fernet is an 80-proof classic.
Produced in Sicily since 1868, Averna Amaro Siciliano Bitters is an all-natural maceration of grape spirits with flowers, roots, herbs, spices and dried citrus rinds. On both sides of the Atlantic mixologists rely on Averna Amaro for its fresh flora, anise and bitter orange notes and a warm, bittersweet medley of herbal, spicy and earthy flavors.
No discussion of the bitter delights of amaro is complete without tribute paid to Luxardo’s timeless offering. Luxardo Amaro Abano is renown for imbuing cocktails with a complex set of aromatics and warm, bittersweet flavors, all of which persist throughout the long, satisfying finish.
For these herbal wonders, there is no such thing as a bitter disappointment. Cheers!