Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz Recipe: A Bold Twist on a Classic Cocktail

The Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz is a captivating twist on the classic spritz cocktail, combining the deep, aromatic flavors of amaro with the bright zest of orange and the warmth of cinnamon. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, relaxing on a weekend afternoon, or just looking for a drink that adds a touch of sophistication to your evening, this cocktail is a perfect choice. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of how to make the Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, explore its unique ingredients, and offer tips on how to elevate this drink to new heights.

Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz Recipe
Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz Recipe

What Is an Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz?

An Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz is a modern take on the traditional spritz, which originally hails from Italy. Typically, a spritz is made with a bitter liqueur like Aperol or Campari, prosecco, and soda water, offering a refreshing and light experience. The Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz replaces the standard bitter liqueur with amaro, a category of Italian herbal liqueur that is typically more complex and less sweet than the typical spritz ingredients. The addition of fresh orange and a touch of cinnamon introduces both citrusy brightness and a hint of warmth, making this cocktail perfect for all seasons, from summer to winter.

Ingredients You Will Need

To prepare an Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, the following ingredients are required:

  • Amaro (such as Averna or Montenegro) – 2 oz (60 ml)
  • Fresh orange juice – 1 oz (30 ml)
  • Prosecco – 3 oz (90 ml), chilled
  • Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece (for garnish)
  • Orange slices – 2 thin slices (for garnish)
  • Ice – To fill the glass
  • Soda water – 1 oz (optional, for added fizz)
  • Simple syrup (optional, if a sweeter taste is desired)

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to craft an unforgettable cocktail. Let’s break down the steps for preparing this delicious drink.

How to Make the Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz

Creating the Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to bring this cocktail to life:

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

Choose a large wine glass or a tumbler for your spritz. A larger glass will allow the ingredients to mix properly and give you room for the ice, which is essential for maintaining the balance of flavors. Fill the glass with ice cubes—you’ll want it well-chilled to enjoy the drink at the optimal temperature.

Step 2: Combine the Amaro and Orange Juice

Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of amaro into the prepared glass. Amaro provides the deep, complex, herbal flavor that forms the backbone of this cocktail. Then, add 1 oz (30 ml) of fresh orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred over store-bought varieties because it adds natural sweetness and a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile.

Step 3: Add Prosecco and Cinnamon Stick

Next, pour 3 oz (90 ml) of chilled prosecco into the glass. The prosecco gives the drink a refreshing, bubbly finish, cutting through the richness of the amaro and the citrusy sharpness of the orange juice. If you want a bit more effervescence, you can add 1 oz (30 ml) of soda water.

To infuse a warm, aromatic note into your spritz, drop a cinnamon stick into the glass. The cinnamon not only provides a fragrant and spicy scent but also subtly enhances the overall flavor profile of the cocktail, offering a balance to the bitterness of the amaro.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish your Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz with a couple of thin slices of orange and the cinnamon stick. The orange slices will add a visual appeal, while the cinnamon stick serves both as a garnish and a gentle infuser of flavor. Stir gently to mix the ingredients and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting the Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz

While the basic recipe above will deliver a fantastic cocktail, there are a few tips and variations you can consider to enhance the flavor and presentation of your Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz:

1. Experiment with Different Amaro Brands

Amaro is a diverse category, with dozens of varieties, each offering its own unique flavor. Popular choices include Averna, which is rich and slightly sweet, Montenegro, which has a balanced herbal flavor, or Cynar, a vegetable-based amaro that provides a deeper, more earthy taste. Don’t hesitate to try different brands to see which one you prefer for your spritz.

2. Adjust the Sweetness Level

Some amaros, like Averna, have a naturally sweeter profile, while others, such as Fernet-Branca, tend to be more bitter and herbal. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a dash of simple syrup to balance the bitterness. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

3. Infuse Your Own Cinnamon Syrup

For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can make your own cinnamon syrup by heating equal parts of sugar and water along with cinnamon sticks until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Replace the cinnamon stick in the recipe with a splash of this syrup for a more intense cinnamon kick.

4. Garnish Creatively

While the classic garnish of orange slices and cinnamon sticks is simple and effective, feel free to get creative. A sprig of rosemary can add a fragrant herbal note, or you could even experiment with a few cloves stuck into the orange slices for added depth.

5. Serve Chilled, Not Overly Diluted

One common mistake when making spritzes is allowing the ice to melt too much, diluting the drink. Ensure you use large, dense ice cubes that will chill your drink without melting too quickly. You can also pre-chill your ingredients to avoid adding too much ice.

Why You Should Try the Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz

The Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz isn’t just another cocktail—it’s an experience. The combination of bitter amaro, citrusy orange, and the warm spice of cinnamon creates a cocktail that is both refreshing and complex. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions, from summer evenings on the patio to cozy winter gatherings by the fire. The drink’s balance of sweetness, bitterness, and spice ensures that it will appeal to a wide range of palates.

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just someone looking for a new and exciting drink to try, the Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz is sure to impress your guests and elevate your next cocktail hour.

Perfect Your Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz

In conclusion, the Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz is a flavorful, aromatic, and visually stunning cocktail that is easy to make but offers a refined and sophisticated drinking experience. By carefully selecting the right amaro, balancing the citrusy orange with the right amount of cinnamon, and using chilled prosecco for that perfect bubbly finish, you can craft a cocktail that stands out in any setting. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or with friends, this drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

also read: The 11 Best Rye Whiskeys for an Old Fashioned