Amaro

Long before there were chef-driven cocktails, there were monk-driven <i>digestivi</i>, also known as <i>amaro</i>. They made us feel better, encouraged post-prandial discourse, and set us up for a better tomorrow. Thanks to Brad Thomas Parsons, we now have a book that properly celebrates the category, and teaches us just how sweet it is to drink what's bitter. <b> Danny Meyer, founder of the Union Square Hospitality Group</b> I am a longtime lover of bitter Italian liqueurs. But this smart handbook has deepened my understanding of and heightened my appreciation for amaro and its kin. Read this and you will be thirsty. <b> Mario Batali</b> Brad Thomas Parsons s <i>Bitters </i>quickly became the definitive guide to a mysterious but essential cocktail ingredient. He s done it again with <i>Amaro</i>, a gorgeous, comprehensive, and delectable exploration of the world s bittersweet aperitifs and digestifs. Parsons s passion for the history, culture, and personalities behind these herbaceous concoctions, coupled with Ed Anderson s gorgeous photography, make <i>Amaro </i>a<i> </i>must-have. <b> Amy Stewart, author of <i>The Drunken Botanist </i></b> A few things happen as you age: you start really liking yogurt, you talk about seeing other people, you re willing to risk big to let out a memorable <i> Bababooey! </i> scream at your son s piano recital, and, fortunately, you begin to really enjoy bitters. Not only for their taste, but also because they re a panacea for the middle-aged gut. Amaro is no longer strictly a clever way to deter teenage partygoers from raiding the house bar; it s a staple ingredient, and it s about time for such a thoroughly researched and deliciously presented book on the subject. <i>Amaro </i>is complete and thirst-inducing. Two thumbs up! <b> Frederic Morin and David McMillan, authors of <i>The Art of Living According to Joe Beef </b> Fernet-Branca: what would we do without it? It is certainly my favorite of the amaros; some even say that it cures all known ailments and improves the humors. What a treat to read<i>Amaro</i>, a book devoted to these bittersweet aids to digestion, health, and happiness. <b> Fergus Henderson, author of<i>The Complete Nose to Tail</i></b> With cocktail recipes, amaro-spiked desserts, and even a guide to making your own amari, this book is a comprehensive guide to the liqueur. But more than just a guide, <i>Amaro</i> is a book you actually want to read. It s written by Brad Thomas Parsons, the author of the James Beard and IACP award-winning book on bitters, and its best feature are the recipe headnotes. Ranging from personal anecdotes about cocktails to multiple paragraphs about a classic s history, you get fun, interesting context with every recipe. <b> <i>Saveur</i></b> ...Parsons does a terrific job of showcasing [amari] in this collection of over 100 recipes. <b> <i>Publishers Weekly</i> ...Parsons succeeds at opening up exciting possibilities to try at home or seek out at bars. <b> <i>Library Journal </b> Parsons more than delivers on sweet ways to enjoy the spirit, explains the vast amari family tree and gives tips for how to make your own variety for every season. <b><i><b> </b></i><b>Tasting Table</b></b>