How to Make the Amaro Santoni Spritz

Transport yourself to the coasts of Italy with each sip of the Amaro Santoni Spritz. This refreshing cocktail showcases Amaro Santoni, a complex Italian herbal liqueur made with a secret blend of botanicals.

The bittersweet amaro provides a unique depth of flavor when combined with bubbly prosecco and sparkling soda in this light, yet sophisticated libation.

What is Amaro Santoni

Amaro Santoni comes from Italy’s Marche region located along the Adriatic Sea coastline. It’s produced by the Santoni company, a family-owned distillery founded in the late 19th century. The exact formula for Amaro Santoni contains over 20 Mediterranean herbs, roots, fruits and spices.

Amaro Santoni belongs to a category of Italian herbal liqueurs called amari, known for their bittersweet flavor profile. It’s made through infusing this proprietary blend of botanicals including Rhubarb Root, Iris Flower and Olive Leaf.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Amaro Santoni Spritz

The Amaro Santoni Spritz combines the herbal liqueur with prosecco and soda water for an effortlessly refreshing Italian-inspired drink. Here’s how to make it properly at home:

Ingredients:

• Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)
• Club soda or sparkling mineral water 
• Amaro Santoni
• Orange slice or peel for garnish
• Ice

Equipment:

• Jigger
• Barspoon
• Wine glass

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mixing the Amaro Santoni Spritz

Step 1: Fill a wine glass or small tumbler halfway with ice cubes. Be sure your glass is frost-free.

Step 2: Pour in the prosecco. Tilt the glass slightly and pour gently down the side to help preserve the bubbles. Fill the glass another third.

Step 3: Add the Amaro Santoni in equal proportion to the prosecco – about 1 part amaro to 2 parts prosecco. The darker amaro will float on the bottom.

Step 4: Top off your glass with chilled club soda or sparkling mineral water. The bubbles help lift the flavors.

Step 5: Gently stir 3-4 times with a spoon to combine everything. Be careful not to overmix or you’ll lose the effervescence.

Step 6. Finish with a garnish of a thin orange slice or peel on the rim. The citrus oils nicely complement the herbal liqueur.

Tips for Making the Amaro Santoni Spritz

• Use very chilled prosecco and club soda to keep the drink bubbly and prevent rapid dilution. Chill your glassware ahead of time too.
• Pour gently and mix minimally to preserve the carbonation. You want to keep those lively bubbles.
• Adjust the proportions to taste. Add more prosecco for a drier, fizzier drink or more amaro for a stronger herbal kick.

Ways to Garnish an Amaro Spritz

Part of the experience of an Amaro Santoni Spritz is the presentation. Garnish with color and flair to delight the eyes before the first sip. Here are creative garnishes to try:

• Orange slice or wheel – Stud with 3-4 cloves for a fancy touch
• Orange peel spiral – Use a veggie peeler to cut a long strip
• Lemon wedge or twist
• Lime wedge or wheel
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig
• Cinnamon stick
• Whole star anise
• Maraschino cherries on a skewer
• Fresh berries – raspberries, blackberries, blueberries
• Grapes, green or red
• Olives
• Edible flowers – nasturtium, pansy, violets

Get creative with your garnishes! Anything pretty or edible can decorate the glass. Use what’s seasonal or growing in your garden. The natural herbs and fruits will complement the herbal liqueur.

Serving Suggestions for the Amaro Santoni Spritz

This versatile spritz makes a fabulous drink for so many occasions:

• Start your Italian dinner party with a passed tray of Amaro Spritz cocktails
• Enjoy with antipasti appetizers – cured meats, cheeses, olives, grilled vegetables
• Pack in a cooler for sunset at the beach or park
• Mix up a batch for cocktail hour gatherings or happy hour with friends

With its bittersweet herbal flavors, the Amaro Santoni Spritz makes a unique addition to any bar cart. Keep the ingredients handy to mix up anytime you want an Italian-inspired pick-me-up.

Bottom’s up!

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Here is the recipe!