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bitter, bittersweet, complex

Lavarello

A bittersweet, spirit-forward Brazilian stirred cocktail — cachaça with Aperol, Cynar, and chocolate bitters. A bold riff on the Rabo-de-Galo for bitter aperitivo lovers.

cachacaMedium~24% ABV
MethodStirGlassRocks GlassIcesphereGarnishExpressed orange peel
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • 1½ ozcachaca
  • ¾ ozaperol
  • ½ ozcynar
  • 2 dasheschocolate bitters
  • Expressed orange peelgarnish
Instructions
  1. 1Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. 2Stir for 25-30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.
  3. 3Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice sphere or block.
  4. 4Express an orange peel over the surface to release the oils, then use as garnish.
#cachaca#brazilian#stirred#aperitivo#cynar#aperol#bittersweet#spirit-forward#modern-classic
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History & Origin

The Lavarello was created in 2014 by Brazilian bartender Márcio Silva. It is a direct riff on the Rabo-de-Galo — Brazil's classic two-ingredient stirred cocktail of cachaça and sweet vermouth — replacing the vermouth with a combination of Aperol and Cynar and adding a few dashes of chocolate bitters. The result shifts the drink from the sweet and herbal into the bittersweet and complex, bringing the Italian aperitivo tradition into dialogue with the Brazilian spirit. It appeared on Difford's Guide's list of the 20 best cachaça cocktails and has been embraced by craft cocktail bars in Brazil and internationally.

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Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

bitter, bittersweet, complex◆Stir