Averna e More
I know. It sounds like Averna amore, but that’s what’s been going on around here. I have been drinking a lot of this Sicilian amaro lately. I am accustomed to consuming Averna neat (undiluted, at room temperature, no ice) or straight up (with ice.) Then I came across a cocktail called a Blackberry Smash, a bracing mix of Meyer lemon juice, ginger beer, orange-flavored vodka, muddled blackberries and Averna.
The dark fruity flavor of the blackberries and the citrus married beautifully with the Averna, but Bart found it a touch too astringent. So I got busy and fiddled a little, figuring some simple syrup might take the edge off. Then it dawned on me that fresh basil would complement the herbaceous notes of the Amaro Averna. So I added a bit of basil simple syrup to sweeten the drink and cut down on the perceived astringency, and this baby was born.
I have been making this drink with Eureka lemons. If you’ve got Meyer lemons on hand, they’d also be wonderful. Don’t skimp on the orange-flavored vodka. Use a premium brand, like Grey Goose.
Cheers! For those of you who have been following my remodel, check out the shots of our progress at the bottom of this article. And trust me, with a project of this magnitude, a cocktail helps. For more on Averna, click here.
Averna e More
serves 1
1/3 cup blackberries, plus berries to garnish
1 oz. Amaro Averna
1 oz. orange-flavored vodka
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. basil simple syrup (recipe follows)
2 ounces (or more) Fever-Tree ginger beer
basil sprig to garnish
Fill a rocks glass ¾ full with ice cubes. Drop cup of blackberries into a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Pour Averna, vodka, lemon juice, basil simple syrup, and a few ice cubes into the shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into the rocks glass. Top with ginger beer, and garnish with a few berries and a sprig of basil. Serve at once.
Basil Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is quick and easy to make and has many different uses in the kitchen. It can be plain, just sugar and water, or it can be flavored with anything from anise to vanilla, or as here, basil. Plain, it is the ideal sweetener for cold drinks – no need to worry about your sugar not dissolving. Mix it with spirits to moisten layers of cake. A simple rule of thumb for flavoring simple syrup is if you are using herbs, such as mint or basil, add them at the beginning right along with the sugar and water. If you are adding spirits, do so after you remove the finished syrup from the flame. Generously flavored with basil, this syrup is wonderful over fresh fruit or as a sweetening agent for lemonade or mixed drinks.
2 cups basil leaves
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
Place all ingredients in medium saucepan. Heat over medium high until sugar has dissolved and mixture has come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Mixture will be completely clear when sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Cool, strain and store in refrigerator up to 5 days.
Click here for another use for basil simple syrup.
Averna and Fever-Tree ginger beer are available at BevMo! and Mission Wine and Spirits and other purveyors.
Note: You can click on any picture and see a slide show!
I have no affiliation with any product, manufacturer, or site mentioned in this article.
Monday, September 15th 2014 at 10:09 pm |
Adri, this is a gorgeous cocktail and looks so refreshing. I hope it takes away of the bit of the pain of renovations. Glad to see you back in action. Take care, BAM
Monday, September 15th 2014 at 10:12 pm |
Ciao Bam,
Thanks! I’m glad you like this one. It definitely takes the pain away, and two work even better. Alla prossima!
Monday, September 15th 2014 at 10:23 pm |
Dear Adri,I’m glad to see that your home is growing, I can not wait to see the final photos especially those of your new kitchen ! When you go to live there?This is a great recipe, Averna with blackberry looks divine! Have a good day my dear, un abbraccio, alla prossima !
Monday, September 15th 2014 at 10:33 pm |
Ciao Chiara,
Yes, our home is coming along, and I think that in late spring of next year we will move in. I have come to love Averna – it is so complex and has so many layers of flavor. I hope you try this one. Un bacione a te!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 12:53 am |
oh, I love the sound of this cocktail! I shall have to see what I can get in France next week 🙂
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 5:35 am |
Hi Tandy,
It is delicious. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 1:40 am |
mmm..those black berries…heavenly!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 5:37 am |
Ciao Angie,
The blackberries were an organic match for the Averna, just perfect, and the basil simple syrup tied the entire cocktail together. Cin cin!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 3:01 am |
I don’t think I’ve ever tried Averna but that blackberry smash sounds so good! 😮
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 5:38 am |
Hi Lorraine,
Give this one a go. I think you will enjoy Averna. It is terrific in cocktails and long drinks. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 5:32 am |
What a brilliant idea to add the basil simple syrup! I can’t wait to try some of that myself and the cocktail itself with the blackberries looks beautiful. What a project you have there. Yes, I think that’s a two cocktail remodel 🙂
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 5:43 am |
Hi Susan,
When I was trying to soften the edges of this one for Bart the idea of simple syrup popped into my head. Then I got to thinking of the multiplicity of flavors in Averna, and I thought that basil simple syrup would be the smart woman’s answer to this one. I was right. This one is really good. I hope you give it a try. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 7:34 am |
I’m in Adri.
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 7:53 am |
Ciao Val,
I’ll leave the back door open. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 7:39 am |
Adri this cocktail sounds absolutely delicious
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 7:55 am |
Hi Anthony,
It really is, and even with the basil simple syrup, I would not call it a “girlie” drink. We downed these in no time. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 7:57 am |
The cocktail sounds so refreshing. I have to say that we (in the U.S.) are just beginning to understand the magical world of Italian bitters. They make the best aperitivi. Like everyone else, I can’t wait to see the house finished… but I know you want that more than anyone! A presto, David
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 8:12 am |
Hi David,
I love going to my neighborhood liquor store these days. It seems that at every visit the shelves are stocked with another amaro or other Italian liquor. These things are works of art, and I love that Americans are beginning to enjoy them. I hope you give this drink a try. We loved it. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 8:16 am |
I do plan to try it – the only things I don’t have are the orange vodka and the Averna. Both easily remedied with a quick stop at Total Wine. Oh, and we make our own ginger beer so I will probably use that! 🙂
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 8:22 am |
Hi David,
You make you OWN ginger beer! WOW. I bet it is wonderful. Here is another one with Averna and ginger beer. This one has lots of citrus, and, I bet you will enjoy it. And how about a post on how you make your ginger beer? I would love to learn.
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 9:43 am |
wow! it’s gonna be a great house! I can’t wait to see it finished!
I’d gladly drink a bottle of your Averna!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 9:54 am |
Ciao Marcela,
Thank you! I can’t wait to be drinking Averna on the patio and cooking in my new kitchen. Alla prossima!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 10:30 am |
Oh, thank you! This recipe will provide me with yet another way of using up my bounty of Eureka lemons that seems never ending. I assume you have a Eureka lemon tree too and share a similar predicament. Even with neglect, those lemons keep on coming!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 10:46 am |
Benvenuta!
Indeed, talk about a prolific tree. Eureka may well win the award. I hope you enjoy this one. And see if you can find Fever-Tree ginger beer. It really is a superior product. Thanks for stopping by! CHeers!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 10:30 am |
Hi Adri, this drink sounds wonderful, looks like you have a great view. Good luck with your remodel.
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 10:48 am |
Hi Cheri,
I hope you try this one. It really is delicious, right to the last drop. Thank you for the encouragement on our remodel. It is quite a project. Alla prossima!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 11:25 am |
Seriously…I could drink a pitcher of these!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 11:59 am |
Ciao Laney,
Seriously, I’d be right there with you. I love this cocktail! Un bacione a te!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 11:45 am |
Oh, what a divine sounding drink! I remember you tweeting about it recently, and I was thinking how much I wanted one for myself in that very moment. Yum! And how wonderfully versatile is basil simple syrup? It’s one of my favorite ingredients in drinks, both alcholic and non. Hope fab drinks like this help fuel you through your remodel – looks like it’s progressing well!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 12:01 pm |
Hi Amy,
We really enjoyed this one. It had just enough sweetness to make it go down very easily. Plus with all the anti-oxidants in the blackberries, it is good for you too! Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 12:24 pm |
So many great flavors in here! Sounds fancy and delicious 🙂
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 12:57 pm |
Hi Kelly,
I’m glad you like this. It really is good, and it’s a great way to get started drinking Italian amari treat! Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 1:32 pm |
I’m glad you have been giving Averna its due. It wasn’t something I was all too familiar with but upon discovering it I’ve gone through several bottles recently. Neat. Like you. Until now… I am now inspired to get creative. And fruity!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 1:42 pm |
Hi Trevor,
Get fruity! I am pazza for Averna, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I bet it will be wonderful. I am SO glad to see you back. Your absence was duly noted and lamented. Un abbraccio forte!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 5:39 pm |
Oh. First line in and you stole my joke. Now I’m going to have to read the whole thing again and try to think of a new one. GREG
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 7:16 pm |
Hi Greg,
Ha! What can I say! It just came to me. It’s the Averna-it makes me clever. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 6:47 pm |
With all your tempting recipes, you’ll turn me into a genuine drinker! That looks so delicious and refreshing, like summer in a glass, but maybe even better. I just went raspberry picking though so I might need to try this with raspberries instead of blackberries. 😉
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 at 7:22 pm |
Hi Hannah,
I just love these Italian amari. They are delicious, multi-layered things, and they make the most extraordinary cocktails. Sometimes they can be pretty challenging as some of them have a real bitter edge. This one, Averna, is on the mild side, and it marries beautifully with citrus and ginger beer. I hope you give this one a try.
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 4:21 am |
the project looks like it is coming along nicely and I LOVE this cocktail. It sure does look refreshing with the perfect balance of sweetness!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 7:01 am |
Hi Jess,
Yes, it is coming along, and this cocktail helps. It has just the right amount of sweetness – you are absolutely right. Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 4:57 am |
You have really introduced us to some wonderful cocktails Adri. I don’t know how you come up with these great ideas – but they ought to be bound and published in a cocktail book. I love seeing the construction work transpiring. What a project and what a great house you’re going to have when it’s done. No wonder you need to concoct these drinks! I’m sure there are tons of headaches and decisions to be made.
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 7:03 am |
Ciao Linda,
Headaches and decisions aplenty, davvero. I am amazed seeing this house take form right before my eyes. It is amazing to walk over there each day and see the physical progress. And thanks for the kind words about the cocktails. The experimentation is half the fun. Un abbraccio!.
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 1:31 pm |
Basil simple syrup sounds so good! And adding blackberries just looks great!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 4:10 pm |
Hi Pam,
The basil simple syrup is great. You’ll love it in lemonade and mixed drinks. In fact, I suggest you experiment with all sorts of flavored simple syrups. There is s world of flavor there. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 2:07 pm |
Blackberries and basil sound like a heavenly match!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 4:11 pm |
Hi Liz,
Heavenly indeed! I hope you give this one a try. I bet you will love it. Cheers!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 4:31 pm |
I’ve never tried Averna, but this post has piqued my interest. I’m always up for new cocktails and I think I just might have to go out and buy some Averna. Great post!!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 7:17 pm |
Hi Bill,
I bet you will love it, and if you’re not familiar with Fever-Tree ginger beer, give it a go also. Cheers!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 4:39 pm |
Blackberries are a favorite so I love seeing them featured in this post! Absolute beauty all around!
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 at 7:18 pm |
Hi Pamela,
I’m glad you liked this one. Just imagine lounging in that new Reading Nook of yours sipping on one of these! Cin cin!
Friday, September 19th 2014 at 1:14 am |
Adri, I have to admit that I have never, ever tasted Averna before (I know, shame on me) – but the color of the Averna e more looks outstanding and I know that I love basil and, of course, blackberries, so this must be one wonderful drink to enjoy in late summer!
I hope that the re-model of your living quarters is progressing as planned – all the very best for that!
And I do hope that you are well, dear friend!
Buon fine settimana!
Andrea
Friday, September 19th 2014 at 8:22 am |
Hi Andrea,
Try some Averna. It really is wonderful, and it has particular affinity for citrus. Plus it is perfect with ginger beer. Thank you for the kind words about our remodel. Work continues apace, and I hope that by late next spring I’ll be coming to you from my new kitchen. Un abbraccio forte at e, amica!
Friday, September 19th 2014 at 4:51 pm |
Adri, love this fabulous cocktail! Averna and basil syrup sounds heavenly 🙂
Cheers,
J+C
Friday, September 19th 2014 at 6:38 pm |
Welcome to you both!
Thank you! I love the basil simple syrup. It really is a treat. Thank you so much for stopping by. Alla prossima!
Saturday, September 20th 2014 at 1:30 pm |
I love the mix of blackberries and basil! One of these cocktails would be perfect right now.
Saturday, September 20th 2014 at 2:12 pm |
Ciao Lisa,
This one really hits the spot. I hope you try it before the berries and the basil are gone. Cheers!
Sunday, September 21st 2014 at 3:09 am |
I can see why you need a drink, Adri. But at least you can see progress from one day to the next.
Sunday, September 21st 2014 at 6:19 am |
Hi Mette,
You are right about the drink, and you are also right about seeing the progress. It is amazing to see the house take form!
Sunday, September 21st 2014 at 1:20 pm |
Any cocktail with fresh blackberries is one I have to try. I can feel fall around the corner, so I can’t wait to grab some of the season’s last berries to make this with.
Sunday, September 21st 2014 at 6:14 pm |
Hi Carolyn,
I hope you enjoy this. Cheers!
Sunday, September 21st 2014 at 1:41 pm |
What a beautiful cocktail, the colour is stunning!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Sunday, September 21st 2014 at 6:15 pm |
Benvenuta!
Thank you, and it tastes as good as it looks. Cin cin!