I discovered the Game Set Match cocktail when looking for cocktails using Italian bitters. The drink is similar to a Manhattan, but it includes Cynar, an amaro (or bitter liqueur). The liqueur’s aromatics nicely balance the bourbon in a rich, complex combination.
Cynar is made from artichokes and 13 herbs. In case you are wondering, the herbs dominate the liqueur and the artichoke flavor plays a minor role.
This drink was created in 2013 by J.P. Caceres-Rojas, a mixologist in the Washington D.C. area.
This is a strong drink, making it a nice cocktail for sipping at home on a cold winter evening. However, some cocktail writers say that it is perfect on a hot summer night. When summer rolls around, I’ll have to give it a try and report back.
This recipe makes two cocktails.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce Cynar
- 8 dashes aromatic bitters
- 4 dashes orange bitters
- 1 slice lemon cut in half for garnish
- 2 cherries for garnish
Directions
You can serve your Game Set Match cocktail on the rocks or straight up.
On the Rocks
Add the bourbon, vermouth, Cynar and bitters to a cocktail pitcher and stir. Pour into glasses with ice.
Garnish each drink with the lemon slice and cherry and serve.
Straight Up
Fill your glasses with ice to chill them while you make the cocktail.
Add ice, the bourbon, vermouth, Cynar and bitters to a cocktail pitcher and stir.
Remove the ice from the glasses and strain the cocktails into the glasses.
Garnish each drink with the lemon slice and cherry and serve.
Related Posts
Here are some other cocktails made with Italian bitters.