Bitterscotch

One sip of the Bitterscotch may just have you forgetting the pun in the drink’s name. Pun-lover or not, you can build this drink to your personal preference. Reach for a sweet, lighter amaro for a sweeter, lighter drink. If your palate favors more robust, bitter flavors, sub in a more forceful, bitter-leaning amaro. Fan of smoke-forward drinks? Woodsy, rich Amaro Sfumato Rabarbaro is your friend here. No matter what amaro you choose, the lemon will brighten, and a full ounce of blanc vermouth fills out the drink, providing a temper to Scotch’s smoky heat.

Ingredients

1 ½
ounces Scotch
1
ounce blanc vermouth
¾
ounce amaro
½
ounce fresh lemon juice
Ice
Lemon peel, for serving

Preparation

In a shaker, combine the scotch, blanc vermouth, amaro and lemon juice. Add ice, cover and shake vigorously until the drink is well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Holding a lemon peel by its long edges, skin facing down into the glass, pinch the peel to release the citrus oils. Add it to the glass and serve.