The Roman Holiday: A Dark & Herbaceous Rye Masterpiece

A Midnight Stroll in Italy: The Roman Holiday Cocktail (Ep. 59)

Transport your palate to a midnight stroll through an Italian piazza with The Roman Holiday. In this episode of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we are closing out February with “The Sophisticated Finish”—a dark, roasted, and herbaceous masterpiece.

This complex build features the incredible Hard Truth Chocolate Malt Rye, a whiskey distilled from chocolate malted barley that delivers deep cocoa notes without the sweetness. We pair this with the “Spirit of Italy,” Amaro Montenegro, and the powerhouse J. Rieger Caffè Amaro for a botanical, espresso-forward backbone. Topped with exotic cardamom bitters and a bright lemon expression, this is the ultimate nightcap for any whiskey lover.

Whether you’re a fan of the Black Manhattan or looking for a new way to use your Amaro collection, this cocktail is a showstopper.

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The Recipe: The Roman Holiday

Glassware: Nick & Nora or Coupe 

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Hard Truth Chocolate Malt Rye
  • 0.5 oz J. Rieger Caffè Amaro
  • 0.5 oz Amaro Montenegro
  • 2 dashes Cardamom Bitters
  • Garnish: Large lemon twist

Instructions:

  1. Stir: Combine the rye, both Amaros, and bitters in a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Chill: Stir for 25 seconds until very cold and properly diluted.
  3. Strain: Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
  4. Garnish: Express a wide lemon twist over the surface to brighten the coffee notes, then trim and drop in.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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The Midnight Rose: Liquid Chocolate Truffle Cocktail 

Indulge in the dark side of Valentine’s Day with The Midnight Rose. 🌹🍫

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 57 of our Thirsty Thursday Cocktail series, we are moving past the romance of last week’s “Velvet Letter” to the sophisticated, deep complexity of The Midnight Rose. If you’re tired of sugary-sweet holiday drinks, this is the “Bittersweet Ending” you’ve been waiting for.

By swapping traditional sweet vermouth for Averna Amaro and adding a touch of Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters, we transform a classic profile into a liquid chocolate truffle. Featuring the 10-year aged oak and cinnamon backbone of Henry McKenna Single Barrel, this cocktail is velvety, herbal, and decadently bitter.

In this video, Rebecca shares:

  • How to balance the citrus snap of Campari with dark herbal notes.
  • Why Averna Amaro is the secret to a “Midnight” texture.
  • Professional stirring techniques for lower-proof spirits.

The Midnight Rose Recipe:

  • 1.5 oz Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond
  • 0.75 oz Campari
  • 0.75 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 Dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

Love what you see? Subscribe for more whiskey reviews and cocktail builds! Next week, we’re firing up the smoking kit for a buttery, spirit-forward classic: The Pecan Grove.

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🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

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🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #CocktailRecipes #YourBourbonJourney #HenryMcKenna #ValentinesDay2026 #AvernaAmaro #Campari #Mixology #ThirstyThursday #WhiskeyLover #HomeBartender #BourbonLife #ChocolateCocktail #LiquidDecadence #CocktailHour