Recipe
by Garret Richard from the B.T. Parsons Amaro book
- 1oz aged tequila (I used Gran Centenario añejo)
- 1 bottle of Underberg (20ml, 2/3oz)
- 1oz orgeat (I used Small Hand Foods)
- .75oz lemon juice
Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth like a slush. Garnish with your emptied Underberg bottle and enjoy!
About
I don’t have margaritas often, but when I do, it’s with some bitter amaro. Amaro is a class of bittersweet herbal liqueur that is traditionally drank as a post-dinner digestion helper, but is now picking up great traction in the cocktail world. This drink is called the Ice Berg and utilizes the polarizing German amaro: Underberg.
This is like a twisted form of a margarita, and I mean twisted in the best way possible. Using a full flavored 100% agave tequila is key to counteract the strong flavors of the Underberg. Imagine a margarita you would enjoy during Christmas time, with nutty flavors complimented by warm fall spices. It is fantastic and perfect for the adventurous palate. Plus, how cute is the mini bottle?
Underberg is an intensely bitter German amaro with strong clove undertones. Unlike many amari, it is not sweet and clocks in at a whooping 44% ABV. It’s interestingly sold only in 20ml (.67oz) mini bottles, usually in 3-pack boxes. The flavor is SO strong and potent that the usual consumption method is as a straight quick shot after dinner. I spent a while looking for this in stores, until I realized that my Whole Foods actually carried it. Pick up a pack and try this out – it’s super affordable, usually around $5 for a 3-pack.