Amaro and Nespresso

The combination of spiced honey syrup, herbaceous amaro, and freshly brewed coffee give this cocktail from award-winning bartender Lauren Paylor its distinctive character. Garnished with frothed milk and grated nutmeg, the Amaro and Nespresso is a festive drink to serve at a holiday gathering.
To make your own spiced honey syrup, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup (8 oz./250 ml) water, 1 cup (12 oz./375 g) honey and 1 cup (8 oz./250 g) sugar and heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add 5 whole cloves, 5 star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick and 5 allspice berries. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Strain the syrup into a container. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. (60 ml) brewed coffee, I use Nespresso
- 1 oz. amaro
- 1/2 oz. Spiritless non-alcoholic bourbon
- 1/4 oz. spiced honey syrup (see note above)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Frothed milk for garnish (optional)
- Grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Directions
Pour the coffee, amaro, non-alcoholic bourbon, spiced honey syrup and bitters into a mixing glass two-thirds full of ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with frothed milk and grated nutmeg and serve immediately. Serves 1.
Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen