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Used montenegro because, as everyone says, it's basically the same as nonino (if not better). Delicious. Bittersweet fruit, some spice from the bourbon, grapefruit notes but there is a little *something* there that makes this absolutely divine. It's not quite a refresher or tutti frutti chew but it's close.
Agree that Nonino makes this cocktail, but I didn't try it with rye because the amaro & aperitivo add enough complexity as it is. My wife liked it as written but I had a slight preference for a version made by replacing the Aperol with Martini & Rossi Fiero, a slightly more complex aperitivo than Aperol. Campari or a vermouth di Torino would definitely overpower the Nonino.
Amaro Nonino really makes this cocktail. Other subs may come close, but there's a remarkable balance and zip that only Nonino delivers.
I put a couple of sage leaves in the shaker, then run purple sage along the rim of a coupe and float that for garnish - a nice savory note that pairs well with the citrus, and the color is a bonus.
A note on substitutes: Not having Nonino I tried Averna and didn’t like it hardly at all. Now I tried with Montenegro, and it’s excellent, like adult candy. So I confirm what many others already said.
This was tonight's aperitif choice from my Must Try list but didn't do my homework hadn't notice the Amaro lol. Too late to order the Nonino from my supplier who has it so went to the local shop and they had the Averna which is one of the alternatives listed on a list. My cocktail was dark brown though. If I make this again I may reduce the lemon. To be honest am not sure what to make of it as it doesn't taste like any other cocktails ever. My husband did make 2 litte paper planes though.
I just looked into the Nonino and only noticed now that this Amaron is also of a light colour like Aperol, that'll be why the colour didn't match. It may work better getting it rather than using one of the alternatives.
Splendid. I agree with previous commenters that there is a grapefruit-like quality here. I would also add nthat this is absolutely worth purchasing some Aperol. I also tried it with Campari (all other ingredients the same), and the increased bitterness throws the drink out of balance for me.
Bulleit (Rye or Bourbon, depending), Campari, Aperol (or Peychaud's Apperitivo), and fresh lemon. It always amazes me how much this concoction tastes like *grapefruit*, of all things. Everyone I've made it for, so far, loves it. It's easy to make, and your friends will think you're a superstar. Just don't tell them the ingredients, unless they are adventurous.
I've made this with both Amaro Nonino and Amaro Nonino. Maybe I have a terrible palate, but the difference between the two resulting drinks is minor. As I don't use Nonino for much else, I'll probably stick to Montenegro in future and save some money, as Carol Smith suggests. Will definitely try this with rye next time too.
I usually make this with Evan Williams white label (Bottled in Bond). It is an inexpensive bourbon that I buy by the half US gallon and it is my go-to cocktail bourbon. The Maker's 46 definitely ups it by half a star. I think Maker's 46 cask strength would be even better, but you are then getting into Single Malt price range. Sam, himself called for a short, gentle shake, and I have been stirring recently.
The drink that brought me here several years ago still a top 3 favourite. Agree with some others; rye over bourbon for me. Such a pleasure to make this for someone who has never had it - a proper crowd pleaser.
I make this at home very frequently. It is one of my favorites. However, I found that it is better with Rye Whiskey rather than bourbon. Basically every bartender who knows how to make them also agrees and tends to make them that way.
Made this with Amaro CioCiaro and it worked pretty well, a little less bright but still tasty. I also once experimented and swapped the Aperol with Cynar, suited my taste but felt kind of moody.
I've made with both Montenegro and Nonino, and both work. Given the $ of Nonino, would probably opt for Montenegro or similar amaro substitute going forward. I like making tall versions of equal parts cocktails, with 1 oz each ingredient vs. 3/4. Held back 1/8th oz on the lemon as I find citrus can be overdone in cocktails. Glorious, multilayered.
Did not have Nonino, so tried it with Montenegro. Quite good! Will have to obtain some Nonino to see if there is a big difference.
Anonymous
25th June 2021 at 17:44
I didn't have any Nonino handy so substituted 2 parts Montenegro/1 part Ferrand triple sec to get closer to the more orangey profile of Nonino. This works.
This is a killer good cocktail. My favorite of the "modern classics" and one of the only cocktails I know that actually works with its 4 equal parts ratio. (most of the others with that base structure benefit from some tinkering with the ratios.) This is a must try, and one you should have in your go-to repertoire.