DISPENSE Amaro, a British take on the Italian herbal spirit, is your perfect aperitivo companion. Its bittersweet, botanical flavours pair beautifully with pre-dinner snacks like olives, nuts, cured meats, and aged cheeses. Whether you're hosting or enjoying a quiet evening, DISPENSE Amaro sets the mood for a delightful meal ahead.
Key Points:
- What is it? A modern British amaro built on a Sicilian family recipe, reworked with British hedgerow botanicals and made in South London by Asterley Bros.
- Why pair it? Its balance of bitter and sweet enhances the flavours of salty, savoury, and herbal snacks.
- Best pairings: Marcona almonds, prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano, citrus-stuffed olives, and tomato-basil crostini.
- Serving tip: Serve neat at room temperature (60 ml per person) for the best experience.
For a deeper dive into aperitivo culture, explore the Asterley Bros masterclasses, including Introduction to Amaro, or try the monthly recipes from the Negroni Society.
1476. First flight of Italian Bitter Amaro Aperitif Digestif picks ...
Understanding Amaro's Role in Aperitivo
DISPENSE Amaro sets the stage for a meal with its bittersweet taste. Built on a cherished Sicilian family recipe, reworked by Rob and Jim Berry with British hedgerow botanicals, this modern British amaro brings a rich heritage to the table.
The carefully crafted botanical mix in DISPENSE Amaro strikes a balance between bitter and sweet, true to the pre-dinner tradition, and blends seamlessly with various aperitivo snacks. This makes it an excellent choice for pairing with pre-dinner bites.
What truly sets DISPENSE Amaro apart is its ability to pair with a wide range of flavours. Its herbal depth works well with everything from aged cheeses to marinated olives, offering a versatile match for different appetisers.
The harmonious flavour profile of DISPENSE Amaro ties together contrasting tastes, enhancing the aperitivo experience without overshadowing the food. It’s a modern twist on tradition, setting the tone for the meal ahead.
Best Snacks to Pair with DISPENSE Amaro
Nuts to Pair with DISPENSE Amaro
Toasted almonds and walnuts are a great match for DISPENSE Amaro's herbal bitterness. Lightly salted Marcona almonds bring out its sweeter side, while roasted walnuts add a rich, earthy flavour. These pairings let the spirit's botanicals shine during your aperitivo.
Meats and Cheeses
Cured meats and aged cheeses are excellent choices alongside DISPENSE Amaro. The salty flavour of prosciutto complements the herbal notes of the spirit, and aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano add a satisfying depth. Together, they create a well-rounded aperitivo platter that enhances the unique qualities of DISPENSE Amaro.
DISPENSE Amaro Pairing Guide
Here’s how to elevate your aperitivo experience with DISPENSE Amaro, using recipes that build on classic pairings.
Stuffed Olives and Spiced Nuts
DISPENSE Amaro’s distinct profile pairs beautifully with these flavourful appetisers:
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Citrus-Stuffed Olives
- 8–10 Castelvetrano olives
- Fill each olive with 2 strips of orange peel and 2 strips of lemon peel
- Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and drizzle with 30 ml of extra virgin olive oil for added depth
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Spiced Marcona Almonds
- Toast 200 g of Marcona almonds in 30 ml of olive oil
- Mix in 5 ml of chopped rosemary, 2.5 ml of sea salt, and a pinch of chilli flakes for a subtle kick
Looking for something different? Try the Tomato-Basil Crostini for a fresh twist.
Tomato-Basil Crostini
This easy yet refined recipe is an ideal match for DISPENSE Amaro:
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Ingredients
- 1 crusty baguette, sliced diagonally
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing and drizzling)
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper
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How to Make It
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast until golden
- Top each slice with diced tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil
- Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper for a final touch
The fresh basil highlights the herbal notes in DISPENSE Amaro, while the tomatoes add a pleasant acidity. Serve with a 60 ml pour of DISPENSE Amaro for a complete aperitivo experience.
Asterley Bros Amaro Selection
At the core of a great aperitivo experience is DISPENSE Amaro, crafted by Asterley Bros in South London. This carefully made spirit is packed with botanical flavours that pair beautifully with classic aperitivo snacks.
DISPENSE Amaro (£31.95) has a flavour profile that works well with a variety of foods, from citrus-stuffed olives to tomato-basil crostini. If you're interested in exploring aperitivo culture further, Asterley Bros offers some engaging options:
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The Negroni Society
A new Negroni recipe every month, crafted by the best bars and bartenders, with two Negronis in each delivery. It’s a fun way to discover new flavour combinations. -
Masterclasses
Learn about aperitivo traditions with hands-on classes at the Asterley Bros production space in South London. Introduction to Amaro is a two-hour guided tasting with amaro cocktails, and Welcome to Vermouth is a chance to taste the full range, with aperitivo cocktails, nibbles and a look behind the scenes.
These experiences offer a deeper appreciation for aperitivo pairings and showcase the versatility of DISPENSE Amaro.
If you're just starting out, try serving a neat 60ml pour of DISPENSE Amaro alongside your favourite snacks. Room temperature serving highlights its full flavour, making it a perfect match for salty, savoury appetisers.
Amaro Pairing Basics
Flavour Balance Guide
DISPENSE Amaro’s intricate botanical profile pairs especially well with:
- Rich and Salty Foods: The bitterness complements rich, fatty dishes like aged cheeses and cured meats, bringing out their savoury flavours.
- Citrus Accents: Snacks with citrus touches, such as orange-marinated olives or lemon-dusted nuts, enhance its aromatic notes.
- Herbal Dishes: Foods seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage align perfectly with the amaro’s botanical essence.
Simple Pairing Tips
Here are a few straightforward tips to make the most of your pairings:
- Temperature Matters: Serve DISPENSE Amaro at room temperature (about 20°C) to let its flavours shine alongside similarly tempered appetisers.
- Portion Size: Stick to 60 ml servings per person. This ensures guests can savour the amaro without overwhelming their palate.
- Texture Match: Use crispy foods to cleanse the palate, creamy options to balance richness, and salty snacks with a touch of sweetness for contrast.
- Timing Is Key: Serve DISPENSE Amaro and appetisers 30–45 minutes before the main course, in true aperitivo style.
Whether paired with Italian antipasti or classic British snacks, DISPENSE Amaro’s versatility opens the door to endless pairing possibilities.
Conclusion
Pairing DISPENSE Amaro with aperitivo snacks showcases how its layered flavours elevate the dining experience. The bitter richness pairs beautifully with fatty, salty foods, while its herbal notes enhance aromatic ingredients like citrus-marinated olives and herb-crusted crostini.
For those looking to dive deeper, Asterley Bros runs masterclasses in South London, including Introduction to Amaro, a two-hour guided tasting with amaro cocktails. It's a great way to explore aperitivo traditions and refine your pairing skills.