Ingredients
- 1 oz Averna amaro
- 1 oz Tawny port
- 1 oz Bourbon
- Ice cubes
- Orange zest - for garnish
Equipment
- Nick & Nora glass
- Mixing Glass
- Strainer
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Fill your service glass with ice cubes and give it a quick stir.
- Add Averna Amaro: Pour 1 oz Averna amaro into the mixing glass.
- Add Tawny Port: Measure and pour 1 oz Tawny port into the glass.
- Add Bourbon: Add 1 oz Bourbon to the mix.
- Add Ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Strain your drink into your chilled Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish: Express an orange zest on top of the drink and place one on the rim of the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Averna Amaro: If you don't have Averna Amaro, I've used other amari like Montenegro or Ramazzotti, which work well but bring slightly different flavor profiles.
- Tawny Port: Ruby Port can substitute for Tawny Port if needed. It's a bit fruitier but still nicely complements the other ingredients.
- Bourbon: Rye whiskey can replace Bourbon for a spicier kick. I've also tried using a good-quality dark rum for a sweeter twist.
Making a Pitcher of The Beatnik Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Averna amaro, 8 oz of Tawny Port, and 8 oz of Bourbon.
- Mix: Combine the Averna amaro, Tawny port, and Bourbon in a large pitcher with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with an orange peel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Averna Amaro Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic amaro substitute; these are available and mimic the herbal complexity quite well.
- Tawny Port Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice with an apple cider vinegar splash to add acidity.
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is The Beatnik Cocktail?
The Beatnik Cocktail is a bourbon-based drink made of Averna amaro, Tawny port, and Bourbon. It’s easy to make; the recipe involves straightforward steps like pouring and stirring. This cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors with the herbal complexity of Averna amaro, the rich sweetness of Tawny port, and the robust character of Bourbon.
What is The Beatnik Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Prepare these ingredients to mix up The Beatnik Cocktail:
- Averna Amaro: Adds herbal complexity and a bittersweet flavor.
- Tawny Port: Contributes rich sweetness and depth.
- Bourbon: Provides robust character and warmth.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and slightly dilutes it for balance.
- Orange Zest (for garnish): Adds a refreshing citrus note and visual appeal.

















