Exploring Low Proof Cocktails with Gruppo Montenegro’s Select Aperitivo and Amaro Montenegro
As we are in the midst of the holiday season and if over consumption may tempt you a bit more than usual, we have been exploring low proof cocktails recipes. One distiller, Gruppo Montenegro, offers up a couple of botanical spirits with its Select Aperitivo, the original Italian aperitif, and Amaro Montenegro, Italy’s most iconic amaro.
Over the past few years there’s been plenty of news stories written about zero proof spirits and cocktails. However, there are other options for people that want to limit their alcohol intake but not completely wipe it out. This is where low proof cocktails enter the conversation.
Utilizing lower proof spirits, such as Select Aperitivo and Amaro Montenegro, allows one to create some cocktails that’ll keep the alcohol intake at bay. Whereas most spirits are bottled at 80 proof or more, Select Aperitivo arrives at just 35 proof and Amaro Montenegro at 46 proof.
These botanical-driven spirits offer an exceptional option when ordering a cocktail from a bartender or one created by yourself at home. The cocktails that we’ve explored using both Select Aperitivo and Amaro Montenegro offer up great flavor with minimal alcohol, sugar content, and calories.
This segment of spirits is one that’s growing. The low-alcohol products segment has grown to more than $11 billion in value. This was a more than 30% growth in just four years, with an expected increase of 31% more within the next five years. The growth is driven by millennials as this segment accounts for 43% of those who consume these products.
We sampled through four botanical-driven cocktails, each made with either Select Aperitivo or Amaro Montenegro, and enjoyed each one of them. Best of all, each one is not too complicated to make and requires minimal ingredients!
SELECT AMERICANO
A lighter twist on the classic Negroni that beautifully blends the herbal aromatics of Select with the sweetness of vermouth.
1.5 oz Select Aperitivo
1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
4 oz Soda Water
Combine Select with sweet vermouth over ice in a glass. Top with soda. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange wedge and an olive.
SELECT & SODA
A bitters & soda is a standard in Italian Aperitivo culture. With Select, the subtle bitterness combined with a complex sweetener finish is light, fresh, and a perfect low ABV serve.
2 oz Select Apertivo
4 oz Club Soda
Combine ingredients in a rocks glass. Add ice. Gently stir. Garnish with an orange wedge.
MONTE MULE
A refreshingly complex take on the Moscow Mule. Montenegro’s bittersweet and citrusy herbaceousness pairs perfectly with ginger to elevate this classic long drink.
2 oz Amaro Montenegro
3 oz Ginger Beer
1 oz Lime Juice.
Pour all ingredients into a copper mule mug filled with ice. Stir gently. Garnish with a slice of lime.
MONTE SODA
Traditionally enjoyed in Italy with a splash of Soda, a Monte Soda will transport you to Italy with one sip. The simple serve allows for the true character of Amaro Montenegro, and all 40 botanicals to shine.
2 oz Amaro Montenegro
4 oz Club Soda
Combine ingredients in a rocks glass. Add ice. Gently stir. Garnish with an orange twist.
To learn more about Select Aperitivo visit selectaperitivo.com and for Amaro Montenegro visit amaromontenegro.com.
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.