Averna Sour Recipe
The underrated yet overly delicious Averna amaro twist on the Whisky Sour cocktail.
Whenever anyone asks me what cocktail is massively underrated, I always say this cocktail. The Averna Sour. I can see why. Averna is extremely bitter, not everyone likes that, although once balanced it’s absolutely gorgeous, which is exactly what this cocktail does. Balances the bitter with sweet and sour for pure cocktail joy.
Another reason the Averna sour gets shelved is because, well, it doesn’t look great. Averna is a dark liqueur, and when you mix it with lemon juice and bourbon, the end color tends to be murky. I can only note it as being similar to that of radiatior water. Which is not aesthetically delicious. Nothing about it screams tasty.
But trust me. I know I’m not doing much for it now, but this Averna sour, this cocktail, it tastes absolutely amazing and hey, you can always stick it in a mug or vessel that’s not transparent to hide the color.
What is an Averna sour?
The Averna Sour cocktail is a delightful libation that combines the rich and complex flavors of Averna, an Italian amaro, with the tangy zest of lemon and a touch of sweetness. This harmonious marriage of bitter and sweet creates a cocktail that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
It’s a bittersweet twist on the classic whisky sour.
To start crafting this cocktail, you only need a few essential ingredients: Averna, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white. The egg white is a crucial component that adds a creamy frothiness to the drink and complements the bold flavors of Averna. The egg is the key to getting a fluffy foam atop your Averna sour. This is optional and we will talk substitutions in the ingredient section so if you’re against egg white cocktails or are vegan. Don’t call it quits on the Averna sour just yet.
What is Averna
Averna bottle and 2 glasses - Image source Averna.
Averna Amaro is a popular Italian liqueur that has captured the hearts and palates of countless individuals across the globe.
Known for its distinct hate it or love it bitterness and rich flavor, Averna is often enjoyed as a digestif, consumed after a meal to aid in digestion and to savor its delightful taste.
Originating from the sun-kissed island of Sicily in Italy, Averna embodies the essence of the Mediterranean. Its recipe dates back to the early 19th century when Salvatore Averna, a Sicilian herbalist, created the liqueur using a secret blend of herbs, roots, and citrus peels. Since then, the recipe has been passed down through generations, carefully guarded to maintain its originality and authenticity.
Averna is an Amaro which is a bitter type of liqueur. So if you don’t like bitter, you won’t like this! People either can’t get enough or say it tastes like cough syrup. But even if you don’t like amaro straight, I’d recommend trying it in a cocktail as the bitter taste really works wonders.
How do you serve Averna liqueur?
When it comes to drinking amaro’s like Averna. People always question what the correct way to serve it is. The truth is, you can serve amaro however you like! Since the creation of Averna amaro in 1868, this Sicilian marvel has been served neat, on rocks, in cocktails and even on ice cream!
Below are a few ways to try Averna if you’re new to Amaro;
1. Neat or on the Rocks: Embracing Simplicity
The simplest way to savor Averna is by enjoying it neat or on the rocks. The deep amber liquid, brimming with herbal essences and caramel undertones, deserves to take centre stage. Pour about 2 shots into a sleek whiskey or rocks glass, sip slowly and enjoy.
If you prefer a slight chill or the flavor is too intense, try serving Averna on the rocks transforms the experience. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes and gently pour the liqueur over them. Allowing it time to dilute slightly.
2. An Averna Twist: Adding a Citrus Zest
To accentuate the citrusy undertones of Averna and balance those harsh bitter notes, consider adding a touch of zest to your serving. Grab the ripest lemon you can find, cut a thin strip of peel, and gently twist it to release the fragrant oils. Place the twisted peel in your glass of neat Averna or let it mingle amid the ice cubes in your rock glass. The natural oils will infuse the liqueur, adding a refreshing twist that complements its bitter-sweet profile.
You can also try it with an orange peel which works wonders with Averna.
3. Exquisite Aperitifs: Averna in Signature Cocktails
Averna's versatility extends beyond standalone servings. It also shines when blended into signature cocktails, creating delightful aperitifs that are a testament to its character. Below are two classic recipes to explore:
The Averna Digestivo: In a mixing glass, combine equal parts Averna and freshly squeezed orange juice. Add a dash of aromatic bitters and ice, then stir gently with a bar spoon to chill the mixture. Strain it into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Substitute for Campari: Campari is probably the most popular bitter liqueur and a great place to start with Averna. Any cocktail that you’d usually use Campari, like an americano or negroni, swap with Averna for a tasty twist.
Averna Sour: Of course I have to mention the Averna sour. Afterall, this is the cocktail we’ll be making today!
What are the ingredients in Averna?
Averna is made using a blend of herbs, fruits, and spices, resulting in a unique and complex flavor profile. While the exact recipe for Averna is a closely guarded secret, it is believed to contain a variety of ingredients that contribute to its signature taste.
The main ingredients in Averna include bitter and sweet orange peel, myrtle berries, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Bitter orange peel lends a citrusy and slightly tangy note, balancing the sweetness of this liqueur. Sweet orange peel adds a hint of mellow sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Licorice, another essential component in Averna, brings a distinct herbal sweetness and depth to the blend. Its characteristic flavor adds a touch of complexity, intertwining with the other ingredients.
Myrtle berries, which grow wild in the Mediterranean region, are believed to be an integral part of Averna's recipe. These berries contribute a subtle fruity taste, enhancing the overall bouquet of flavors.
Averna also incorporates a careful selection of aromatic herbs, which may include herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, or a combination of others. These herbs lend earthy, herbal undertones to the liqueur, complementing the other ingredients and providing a well-balanced taste.
How Averna Amaro is made
The manufacturing process involves macerating the various ingredients in a base spirit, typically made from grain, and allowing them to steep and infuse. After the maceration period, the liquid is then strained and sweetened with a blend of caramel and sugar, which adds a luscious sweetness and smoothness to the final product.
The exact proportions and specific combination of ingredients used in Averna remain a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations. This secrecy, combined with the artisanal craftsmanship involved in its production, contributes to the mystique and allure of Averna.
What makes a cocktail a sour?
At the heart of a sour cocktail lies the clever interplay of a base spirit, citrus juice, and a touch of sweetness. This trifecta of ingredients harmonizes to create a harmonious symphony of flavors, creating dynamic and well-rounded libations. While the combination may seem simple, the true artistry of a skilled mixologist lies in the delicate ratios and careful selection of ingredients.
The only real rule to a sour cocktail is that it has to be, well, sour.
The most popular formula for a whisky sour is 2 parts base spirit, 1 part sugar syrup, 1 part lemon juice. When that spirit is whisky, you have a whisky sour, if its amaretto you have an amaretto sour, gin, gin sour, rum, rum sour. Easy, right?
You’re probably more family with sour cocktails as being in the Daisy family. Daisy is the old name for a sour cocktail which uses a liqueur to sweeten it. Popular cocktails that have evolved from the daisy include
The Margarita (which literally translates to daisy)
For the Averna sour, we don’t want to add Averna as the base, as it would be too bitter. So we take the formula for a whisky sour, then add Averna to it.
Science of Flavour
This is all to do with the science of flavour. Blending the 5 tastes to create pure flavor magic. Bitter is often a taste we either ignore or use too much of. But if you use it correctly, what you get is a drink that makes you keep coming back for more.
I won’t get in to the science of flavour to much. As I can really geek out about it for hours. I’ve created a cocktail course I’d like you to check out here.
The reason is, is because I have a whole lesson in that course where I go through step by step the science of flavour and why ingredients work.
What’s more is that I talk in depth about how to create cocktails from scratch using formulas. You see, if you remember just a few cocktail recipes, you can use them as a base for hundreds, thousands, if not EVERY cocktail you could imagine. One of those formulas of mine is the sour. So once you understand the basics of the sour, which is a 3 ingredient cocktail, you’ll understand how to make thousands of similar recipes, including this Averna sour, and a sour with anything you want.
Ingredients for an Averna Sour
Bourbon
We want a whisky base for this recipe. Specifically bourbon. Now any bourbon should work fine but I’d recommend something middle shelf such as Woodford Reserve or Wild Turkey.
Averna
At this point I think I’ve spoke about Averna enough. You can’t make a Averna sour without Averna. So pick up a bottle. That being said, if you had another Amaro you can keep the recipe the same and you have an Amaro Sour.
Lemon Juice
Fresher the better. I’d also pick lemon for an Amaro sour over lime as the freshness really adds to the cocktail.
Sugar Syrup
Always make your own sugar syrup. I recommend a 1:1 for this recipe. To do that, just combine equal parts white sugar and water (that’s the 1:1 ratio) and bring to a boil whilst stirring. Once the sugar has dissolved, allow it to cool and bottle it up. Your sugar syrup will last about a week in a refrigerator.
Egg White
Egg white is the key to getting that thick fluffy foam on your sour. Check out the below video for more tips that you can use for a fluffy sour cocktail.
If you want to geek out about cocktail foams and the science of egg white foams, check out this article here all about cocktail foam.
Substitutions for egg whites if you’re vegans;
Chickpea Water (aquafaba)
Garnishing an Averna Sour
For a perfectly garnished Averna sour all you need is some orange. Either express an orange peel over the top of drop in a orange wedge. Orange compliments the bitter flavours and Averna perfectly.
If you prefer bitter aromatics, drop a few dashes of Angostura bitters over the top.
Other then that, just have fun with it! You cant a cocktail cherry? Stick a cocktail cherry on top. It’s all for you after all!
Variations
The classic variation is a whisky sour.
You can also replace the bourbon for amaretto for a bitter amaretto sour.
Other then that try swapping the Averna for any other amaro or bitter liqueur such as Campari for a similar and equally as bitter twist.
If you prefer something sweeter. Swap out the Averna for a sweet liqueur like Cointreau for an orange whisky sour or violet for a Aviation whisky sour.
Tips and Tricks
It’s better to use less Averna and add more if you need to then to add too much and have to start the whole cocktail again.
Serve it in different glasses - Try a coupe for a elegant Averna sour
Add a few dashes of flavoured bitters for light flavour additions such as Angostura or Chocolate.
Dry shake this cocktail for an extra fluffy foam (that means to shake first without ice, then add the ice and shake again)
Double strain so no ice shards are in the glass for an extra smooth texture.
Use a large ice cube to slow the dilution
Try adding some herbs in with the garnishing such as rosemary for more of an earthy herbaceous twist.
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Averna Sour
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add everything to a cocktail shaker and shake without ice.
- Once fluffy. add ice and shake again till cold.
- Double strain into a rocks glass and garnish with an orange wedge.
Notes
You can also serve this up in a coupe if you prefer something more elegant looking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
125.46Fat
0.12 gSat. Fat
0.01 gCarbs
12.55 gFiber
0.09 gNet carbs
12.46 gSugar
11.3 gProtein
3.37 gSodium
58.58 mgCholesterol
0 mgCalories based on cocktail + entire bottle of liqueur
The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
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