Montenegro Sour
The Montenegro Sour is a contemporary twist on the classic sour formula, replacing the traditional base spirit with the Italian liqueur Amaro Montenegro. This results in a cocktail with nuanced layers of orange peel, vanilla, and gentle herbal bitterness, rather than a strong spirit-forward profile. Fresh lemon juice provides a bright acidic counterpoint, while a touch of simple syrup ensures balance. Often prepared with egg white, it boasts a rich, silky texture and a beautiful foam cap.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Montenegro Sour is classified as a cocktail, specifically belonging to the 'sour' family of drinks which are characterized by a base spirit, citrus, and a sweetener. Due to its relatively recent rise in popularity and use of a specific proprietary liqueur as its base, it's considered a Modern Classic. It is a perfect example of how the classic sour template can be adapted for different liqueurs.
Serving
Serve this cold, medium-sized cocktail in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass for an elegant presentation. Its alcohol content is moderate, making it a pleasant and approachable sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-18% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Unlike historic cocktails with singular origin stories, the Montenegro Sour is a product of the modern craft cocktail movement. It emerged organically as bartenders in the 2000s and 2010s began experimenting with amari as base ingredients. The cocktail's popularity grew from a desire to highlight the unique, approachable, and complex flavor profile of Amaro Montenegro within the familiar and beloved sour format.
Origin
The Montenegro Sour is a modern creation without a specific attributed inventor or place of origin. It likely emerged from various craft cocktail bars across Europe and North America during the early 21st century as Amaro Montenegro gained international popularity.
Montenegro Sour
The drink is most commonly known as the Montenegro Sour. Sometimes, to be more specific, it is referred to as the Amaro Montenegro Sour. This distinguishes it as a cocktail made specifically with that brand of Italian amaro.
Original name
Montenegro Sour
Alternative name
Amaro Montenegro Sour
Characteristics overview
This drink presents a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bitter, with a distinct orange and herbal flavor profile. Its silky, velvety texture and beautiful foamy head make it as pleasant to drink as it is to look at.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Citrusy, Herbal, Orange peel, Vanilla, Botanical
Aroma
Orange zest, Floral, Botanical, Sweet
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Sour, Bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering bitterness, Warming, Herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Golden-orange, Amber, Opaque with a thick white foam top (if using egg white)
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Frothy, Velvety (if using egg white)
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Montenegro Sour has a moderate flavor intensity, characterized by a harmonious blend of sweetness, sourness, and a gentle bitterness. It is noticeably fruity with citrus notes but has very low alcohol presence and no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail is built around Amaro Montenegro, balanced with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. An optional egg white adds texture and foam, while a dash of bitters can add aromatic complexity.
- Amaro Montenegro60 ml / 2 ozThe key ingredient that provides the bittersweet, orange, and herbal base.
- Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 ozMust be freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity.
- Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozStandard 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
- Egg White1 large egg white, or about 15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)Creates a silky texture and foam. Can be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version or omitted entirely.
- Angostura Bitters2 dashes(optional)Optional for shaking in, but recommended for garnishing on the foam.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer. The double-straining technique is key for a professional, smooth finish when using egg white.
- Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling.
- Jigger for accurate measurement.
- Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker.
- Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining to achieve a smooth foam.
Instructions
The preparation involves a dry shake to create foam, followed by a wet shake to chill and dilute. The drink is then double-strained into a chilled coupe and garnished.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add Amaro Montenegro, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and the egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
3. If using egg white, perform a 'dry shake': seal the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the ingredients and build foam.
4. Add a generous amount of cubed ice to the shaker, seal it again, and perform a 'wet shake': shake hard for another 10-12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass by pouring it through both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer.
7. Let the foam settle for a moment, then garnish with an expressed orange twist or a few drops of Angostura bitters on the foam.
Garnishing
The garnish adds aromatic complexity; an orange twist complements the amaro's profile. Alternatively, a few drops of bitters on the foam provide both aroma and a beautiful visual contrast.
- Orange Twist: Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and drop it in or place it on the rim.
- Bitters Art: A few drops of Angostura bitters on top of the foam, which can be swirled with a pick for a decorative pattern.
Dietary Information
This drink contains alcohol and egg, making it unsuitable for vegans and those with egg allergies. A vegan version can be made by substituting egg white with aquafaba. It is naturally caffeine-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the amaro and simple syrup. The exact values can vary based on the precise amount of syrup used.
Calories
Approximately 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 16 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is versatile, serving beautifully as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate. It is also an excellent choice for a sophisticated cocktail hour or for casual sipping at a social gathering. Its balanced and complex character makes it a welcome addition to any dinner party menu.
- Cocktail Hour
- Aperitif
- Casual Sipping
- Dinner Party
Pairing suggestions
The bittersweet and citrus profile of the Montenegro Sour pairs exceptionally well with salty and fatty foods. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board, a selection of hard cheeses, or simple bar snacks like olives and spiced nuts. The drink's acidity cuts through richness, cleansing the palate.
- Salty Snacks
- Cured Meats (Charcuterie)
- Cheese Platter
- Marinated Olives
The Montenegro Sour: A Symphony of Bittersweet Elegance
The Montenegro Sour is a sophisticated and delightful cocktail that showcases the versatility of amaro as a base ingredient. It perfectly balances the complex bittersweet profile of Amaro Montenegro with the bright tartness of fresh lemon juice. Its signature notes of orange peel and vanilla are enhanced by the sour format, resulting in a drink that is both refreshing and complex. Often served with an egg white for a luxurious, silky foam, this modern classic is an excellent gateway to the world of amaro cocktails.
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