If you enjoy a coffee cocktail, you will love this Siciliano cocktail.
With a clean, bittersweet flavor and an extra caffeine boost, the Siciliano drink is a contemporary black coffee cocktail recipe made with classic Italian flavors.
Refreshing, not too sweet and quick and easy to make, it is the perfect cocktail to serve after dinner, at your next party or special occasion.
What Is A Siciliano Cocktail?
The Siciliano is a perfectly balanced cold coffee cocktail with bittersweet flavors and a hint of citrus.
While the exact origins of the Siciliano cocktail are unknown, the primary cocktail ingredients point to Italy as the most likely source.
The combination of sweet vermouth, the complex herbal amaro liqueur and fresh coffee results in a delightful Italian coffee cocktail drink that is delicious in it’s simplicity and perfect as a post dinner digestif.
Not too dissimilar to an espresso martini, the Siciliano confirms yet again how well matched coffee and cocktail ingredients are for making insanely good cocktail hour drinks – not only in the Winter months, but for Summer coffee cocktails too!
If you’re a fan of coffee cocktails, other recipes to try include this frangelico espresso martini or this easy white russian.
What You Need To Make A Siciliano Coffee Cocktail
The only equipment you need to make a Siciliano coffee cocktail is:
- A cocktail shaker
- Jigger (measure)
- Martini or coupe champagne glass.
But don’t worry if you don’t have any of these things – you can still make this cocktail drink recipe!
Simply substitute a jar with a lid, a strainer, measuring cup or spoon, and a glass with a total volume of around 6-8oz (180-240ml).
Amaro Siciliano Cocktail Ingredients
To make an Amaro Siciliano cocktail you will need:
- Sweet vermouth
- Amaro
- Cold brew concentrate or cold espresso
- Club soda
- Ice
- Orange peel (optional garnish)
I have not included any sugar in this recipe as I like the slight bitterness of the amaro. However if you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add 1 oz of simple syrup to the mix.
Vermouth
I recommend you use a red sweet vermouth in this coffee cocktail drink. It helps offset the bitterness of the coffee and the amaro.
Popular vermouth brands include Dolin, Cinzano and Martini.
Amaro
Amaro is a bittersweet Italian liqueur and in Italy an amaro is most commonly served after dinner as a digestif.
Popular amaro brand choices include Averno Amaro, Amaro Montenegro and Fernet-Branca.
Coffee
You can use either chilled espresso or cold brew concentrate in this recipe.
The cold brew concentrate is likely to impart a smoother taste than espresso, so if you want to reduce the potential for bitterness, go for the cold brew concentrate. Just make sure it is strong.
If you use espresso, you will likely have a foamy layer on top of your cocktail, like an espresso martini. Just be sure to bring the espresso to room temperature before using.
How To Make A Siciliano At Home
It couldn’t be easier to make a simple Siciliano cocktail at home.
Step 1: Chill The Glasses. The first step is to chill your glasses so your cocktail stays cool for longer. Carefully pop the glasses in the freezer or throw some ice cubes into each glass to get them nice and cold.
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients. Next you need a cocktail shaker (or a large jar with a lid).
Combine the sweet vermouth, amaro and coffee with some ice cubes in the cocktail shaker.
Put the lid back on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for around 30 seconds to combine and chill your cocktail mix.
Step 3: Strain Into Your Glass. Discard the ice resting in the glass and strain the mixture straight into your chilled glass.
If you’re using a jar, you will need a strainer to strain your cocktail into the glass – you don’t want the ice used to chill the cocktail mix in your glass.
Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with a slice of orange peel.
Tip: Don’t add too much soda water as it will water down the flavor of your drink. Up to 1 oz of club soda (30ml) should be plenty.
How To Serve A Siciliano Coffee Martini
This Italian coffee cocktail is best served in a stemmed 6 – 8 oz martini or coupe glass.
Garnish with a slice of orange peel.
This coffee cocktail is perfect as an cocktail-hour apertif or post-dinner digestif, especially for special occasions like Valentine’s Day and the holidays.
It is also a great choice for cocktail parties as it is so quick and easy to make and can be made in large batches.
Siciliano Cocktail FAQs
Is Amaro The Same As Amaretto?
No, amaro and amaretto are quite different liqueurs. Amaro is a type of bitter Italian liqueur made from a unique combination of herbs and botanicals. Amaretto on the other hand is a sweet almond flavored liqueur.
Can I Use Decaf Coffee In A Siciliano?
Yes, if you are sensitive to caffeine or can’t drink coffee late at night, you can substitute decaffeinated coffee in this Siciliano cocktail recipe.
Can I Sweeten A Siciliano Coffee Cocktail With Sugar?
If you find the flavor of the Siciliano too bitter and would like to sweeten the drink, add 1/2 – 1 oz of simple syrup to the mix in the cocktail shaker.
More Coffee Cocktail Recipes
If you loved this cocktail recipe, here are some more great coffee cocktails to make at home.
- Eggnog Espresso Martini recipe
- White Russian cocktail
- Classic Irish Coffee recipe
- Gingerbread White Russian
Find more coffee drinks recipes here or browse all my coffee recipes.
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Siciliano Cocktail Drink
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 ½ oz amaro
- 2 oz cold brew coffee or cold espresso
- 1 oz club soda or to taste
- 1 slice orange peel
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Chill your glass by placing some ice cubes in the glass while you make the cocktail.
- Combine the sweet vermouth, amaro, coffee and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker.2 oz sweet vermouth, 1 1/2 oz amaro, 2 oz cold brew coffee, ice cubes
- Replace the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds or until chilled and well combined.
- Discard the ice chilling in your glass.
- Strain the mixture into your glass and top with a splash of club soda.1 oz club soda
- Garnish with an orange peel twist and enjoy!1 slice orange peel
Notes
- I recommend using sweet rosso vermouth to offset the bitterness of the coffee and amaro.
- You can use cold brew coffee or espresso – just be sure it is chilled or room temperature before using. Espresso will produce a foamy layer on top once shaken, much like an espresso martini.
- The drink needs just a small amount of club soda (soda water), to taste. Don’t be tempted to fill your glass or you will dilute the drink too much.
- Be sure to strain the ice when pouring – you don’t want any ice in the glass.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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