© Angeleno Amaro by Ventura Spirits

As the summer sun dips low and the evenings stretch into warm, golden hours, the time is ripe to indulge in the best summer cocktails. And what better way to capture the essence of a Southern California summer than with a splash of Ventura Spirits’ newest creation, Angeleno Amaro Bitters Liqueur?

This liqueur is more than just a drink—it’s a journey through the sun-soaked groves and coastal breezes of the Golden State, all distilled into a single, vibrant bottle.

Sunshine in a Glass: Angeleno Amaro Bitters Liqueur

Let’s start with the star of the show, shall we? Ventura Spirits’ Angeleno Amaro Bitters Liqueur is a masterful blend of botanicals and bitter orange peel, kissed with a whisper of California sunshine. It’s a drink that tells the story of its origin with every sip—bitter, sweet, complex, and utterly captivating.

The moment you uncork the bottle, the air fills with the bright aroma of citrus—sweet oranges, zesty lemons, and a hint of grapefruit peel. The scent alone is enough to transport you to a citrus grove at the height of summer, where the sun warms the earth, and the fruits hang heavy and ripe. On the palate, Angeleno Amaro is a harmonious dance between bitter and sweet, with the orange peel delivering a bold, bitter punch, while subtle notes of herbs and spices weave in layers of complexity.

This liqueur doesn’t just stop at being delicious; it’s versatile, too. Whether sipped neat, stirred into a classic cocktail, or mixed into something entirely new, Angeleno Amaro brings a burst of Californian flair to any glass.

© Amaro Spritz by Ventura Spirits

An Instant Classic: The Angeleno Spritz

Before we dive into the creative possibilities of Angeleno Amaro, let’s take a moment to appreciate one of Ventura Spirits’ latest ready-to-drink marvels—the Angeleno Spritz. Even if you’ve never strolled through the cobblestone streets of Rome with an Aperol Spritz in hand, you’ll instantly recognize the inspiration behind this American cousin. But make no mistake, the Angeleno Spritz isn’t just a copycat; it’s a fresh take on a European classic that stands proudly on its own.

The Angeleno Spritz is light, effervescent, and dripping with Californian charm. It begins with the bold citrus burst of Angeleno Amaro, which is then softened by the bubbles of soda water and the tangy touch of grapefruit. The result? A canned cocktail that’s as refreshing as a coastal breeze and as easy-going as a day at the beach.

Imagine cracking open a chilled can on a sun-drenched afternoon, the cool liquid fizzing as you pour it over a glass brimming with ice. Add a slice of grapefruit, find yourself a spot by the pool, and just like that, you’ve got the perfect companion for any al fresco occasion. The Angeleno Spritz is not just a drink; it’s a sip of summer, an invitation to slow down and savor the season.

© Ventura Spirits

Crafting the Best Summer Cocktails with Angeleno Amaro

Now, let’s get a little adventurous. Angeleno Amaro is a playground for mixologists, offering endless possibilities to craft the best summer cocktails. Below are three inspired recipes that will carry you through the last golden days of summer, each one a celebration of the liqueur’s unique character.

1. The Golden Hour Negroni

Nothing says sophistication quite like a Negroni, and this version with Angeleno Amaro brings a bright, sunny twist to the classic Italian aperitivo, making it one of the best summer cocktails. The bittersweet notes of the liqueur harmonize perfectly with the gin and vermouth, creating a cocktail that’s both bold and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Angeleno Amaro Bitters Liqueur
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the Angeleno Amaro, gin, and sweet vermouth.
2. Stir well until the mixture is chilled and slightly diluted.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.

Tasting Notes: The Golden Hour Negroni is a revelation. The Angeleno Amaro lends its vibrant citrus character, making this cocktail the ideal sipper as the sun sets. It’s a perfect blend of bitter, sweet, and citrus, with just the right amount of boozy warmth to round off a summer evening.

2. The Pacific Breeze

The Pacific Breeze is a cocktail designed to cool you down on even the hottest summer days. It’s light, refreshing, and a bit tropical, capturing the essence of a coastal California day in a glass. The combination of Angeleno Amaro and coconut water is pure genius—sweet, slightly bitter, and undeniably smooth.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Angeleno Amaro Bitters Liqueur
• 3 oz coconut water
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Soda water, to top
• Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the Angeleno Amaro, coconut water, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake well with ice until chilled.
3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wheel.

Tasting Notes: The Pacific Breeze is a cool, laid-back cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a lazy afternoon. The Angeleno Amaro’s bitterness is tempered by the sweetness of the coconut water, while the lime juice adds a bright, tangy kick. It’s like a vacation in a glass—no plane ticket required.

3. The Citrus Grove Spritz

The Citrus Grove Spritz is a nod to the classic spritz but with a vibrant, Californian twist. Using Angeleno Amaro as the base, this cocktail is light, fizzy, and bursting with citrus. It’s the kind of drink that’s meant to be enjoyed outdoors, preferably with good company and a view of the sunset.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Angeleno Amaro Bitters Liqueur
• 0.5 oz fresh orange juice
• 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 3 oz Prosecco
• Soda water, to top
• Grapefruit slice and mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a wine glass filled with ice, combine the Angeleno Amaro, orange juice, and grapefruit juice.
2. Top with Prosecco and a splash of soda water.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of mint.

Tasting Notes: The Citrus Grove Spritz is as refreshing as it gets. The Prosecco adds a delightful sparkle, while the fresh citrus juices complement the bitter orange notes of the Angeleno Amaro. This is a cocktail that embodies the spirit of summer—light, bright, and effervescent.

Savor the Last Days of Summer with the Best Summer Cocktails

As the long, lazy days of summer come to a close, there’s no better way to celebrate than with Ventura Spirits’ Angeleno Amaro. Whether you’re sipping on a classic Golden Hour Negroni, cooling down with a Pacific Breeze, or enjoying a Citrus Grove Spritz, these cocktails are designed to capture the essence of the season.

And don’t forget the Angeleno Spritz—a ready-to-drink marvel that’s as refreshing as a dip in the ocean. Light, crisp, and bursting with citrus, it’s the perfect companion for any outdoor gathering.

So, as the summer sun sets and the evenings grow cooler, pour yourself a glass of something special, and toast to the season with the best summer cocktails that Ventura Spirits has to offer. Here’s to savoring every last drop of sunshine in style!