Southside Sips: Venetian Paloma

How low can you go? Aw, well, we’re not talking politics here; we’re talking low-alcohol drinks that don’t clobber your countenance after just one cocktail.

One of the beautiful things about an amaro is how it hits a lot of different happy points: complexity and layers of flavor, low in alcohol, an amazing aperitif or digestif (especially after a big meal — seriously, your nonna was right about that one) and also surprisingly versatile.

Like in this riff on the classic Paloma from our friends over at Montenegro, the orange-kissed amaro that’s the ultimate gateway to bitter-beverage sipping devotion. Its herby, citrusy aromas and flavors make such a great modifier in a multitude of cocktails.

The Paloma’s usual make-up is tequila, grapefruit soda and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, all in a tall glass with ice. Here, it gets a low-fi makeover, swapping out the earthy tequila for the zippy, orange-y amaro. We’re pretty into this easy-going porch pounder. And, even better, if you want to go completely no-alcohol here? Go grab yourself some Chinotto, a dead-ringer soda sub for amaro (San Pellegrino and Stabbi make excellent versions).

Montenegro’s version of the drink calls for grapefruit cordial, which is basically a souped up fruity syrup, and which you can easily procure online — or, you can simply use grapefruit soda and skip the other bubbly components. Montenegro itself you can find at most liquor stores; it’s a pretty popular bottle of the Italian bitter liqueur. The cocktail also calls for a half ounce of agave, which appears in the recipe below. For us, the juices are sweet enough, but like the kids say: You do you.