Have you ever had Tiramisu? What about Amaro?
Most readers would likely answer “yes” to Tiramisu and “no” to Amaro, which may not be entirely accurate. Why?
If cocktail names like Martini, Manhattan, Negroni, or Aperol Spritz ring a bell, many of those who said yes to Tiramisu also tried Amaro because Amari is a diverse category of classic Italian bittersweet liqueurs that includes Vermouth (the ingredient in Martini and Manhattan), Campari (in Negroni) and Aperol that gave name to Spritz.
Still, a bigger question is, “Have you ever tried Tiramisu with Amaro together?” We suspect most, if any, never had them together. And it’s understandable because no one put these “two and two” together before. Try searching for the Tiramisu and Amaro combination, and you’ll find many suggestions on how to use amaro in the Tiramisu recipe but never how to pair them for dessert.
We think they are made for each other for three reasons: Tiramisu, amaro, and Ammazzacaffè.
Tiramisu
The classic Italian dessert hardly needs an introduction. Whether you like Tiramisu or not, you have tried it at least once if you have ever eaten at an Italian restaurant.
The flavors are driven by sweetness and creaminess that soften the bitter coffee notes. Yes, we know, there are Lady Finger cookies in it. Still, they are there more for a texture than a taste because being soaked in coffee, it’s easily overwhelmed by its intense flavor.
In our family, Tiramisu is loved by one of us and tolerated by another if there’s no better option on the menu. Still, when it comes to wine and food pairing games, we both are in.
Amaro
The amaro (bitter in Italian) is a forgotten Italian classic resurrected by enthusiasts and has gained popularity in recent decades. Originally, amaro was invented as a medicine and digestive. Still, over time, it became a drink people enjoy as an aperitif, digestif, or in cocktails like Negroni. We could only wish that all medicines tasted like it.
Essentially, amari (plural) is a liqueur based on wine, brandy, or both and infused with substances rich in bitter-type aromas such as artichoke leaves, rhizomes of rhubarb, and cinchona bark, and many more. The vast constellation of amari styles differs in sweetness, alcohol content, and intensity of bitter flavor. When you’re in Italy, you can try a different one every day for at least a couple of years, and that’s why it’s hard to give a general description of the amaro microcosm. It also means there’s one with your name on it.
Why Pair Amaro and Tiramisu?
Amaro is both complimentary and congruent to Tiramisu. They both are sweet and bitter to a different degree.
Tiramisu gets a soft, bitter touch from coffee and dark chocolate shavings. Amaro’s herbs’ bitterness is way more complex and unapologetic. Still, both are balanced by sweetness, and Tiramisu is even more so because it contains cream. And then the magic happens! When you combine the two, you get a delicious fusion of flavors on the palate.
But wait, there’s more!
We tried a few different amari and found that Nonino Amaro has worked best. Gently sweet herbal and floral aromas shine through a pillowy texture with blood orange, borage flowers, and a touch of botanical bitterness. Its balanced astringency and well-integrated flavors perfectly matched with Tiramisu.
Nonino is widely available and part of any well-stocked bar at good restaurants.
Ammazzacaffè
Do you recall the intriguing third reason to try the delightful combination of Tiramisu and Amaro? “Ammazzacaffè” originates from Italy and translates to “coffee killer.” It is a tradition in modern-day Italy to savor a glass of digestive liqueur after coffee, which helps counteract its overpowering taste and caffeine content. This custom was initially exclusive to the Italian aristocracy, who would adjourn to separate rooms after dinner to smoke and partake in drinks. However, over time, it has become increasingly popular throughout Italy, embodying the concept of “La Dolce Vita” or “the sweet life.”
Romantic Dinner, Tiramisu and Amaro
Tiramisu and amaro are a lot like love – sweet and bitter at the same time. And for Valentine’s Day dinner, it’s a trifecta because Tiramisu, amaro, and Valentine’s Day all have Italian roots. How is that for a dinner story?!
Still in doubt?
Let’s go back to Ammazzacaffè for a moment. Would you like an aromatic orange-flavored bittersweet after-dinner kiss or one tasting like coffee? Those forward-thinking Italians are onto something!