Amaretto & Lime with Shaved Ice
I remember the first time I heard about this drink. I was a young chef working under a very stern head chef. John was very much a “my way or the highway” kind of guy, and during service—or really anytime in the kitchen—all of us junior chefs knew better than to disagree with him, no matter the topic.
I know, being a yes-man isn’t exactly admirable, but trust me: in John’s case, it was often easier to give in a little than to debate and risk being threatened with your job.
Long story short, one night after work we went out for a few drinks—“we” meaning the waitstaff and the kitchen crew. The bar we ended up at was a complete hole in the wall, but it was the only place nearby. Halfway through our post-shift libations, John decided to buy everyone a round. As he walked up to the bar, I heard him order:
“Three beers, one Diet Coke, a strawberry daiquiri, a gin and tonic—and I’ll have an amaretto with shaved ice and lime.”
I nearly sprayed my beer all over the pool table. Laughing, I said, “What kind of drink is that, you big girl?” I had a bit of liquid courage by then, and between that and my youthful kitchen bravado—which most foolish young chefs tend to have—I felt anyone ordering a drink like that deserved to be teased.
“Hey, don’t knock it till you try it,” he replied, then turned back to the bartender and said, “Make that two of those, and cancel one of the beers.”
John was a nightmare to work for, but outside the kitchen he could be your best friend—and that night, he proved it. When the drinks arrived, I didn’t even bother to argue. It was a beautiful drink, especially after a long, exhausting night in the kitchen.
These days, I’m a little more civilized. I tend to enjoy this drink on cool summer nights after a rich meal, often in place of dessert. It’s light, refreshing, and surprisingly satisfying.
Amaretto and Lime with Shaved Ice
Equipment
- 1 ice shaker
- old fashioned or liqueur glass
Ingredients
- 45 millilitres amaretto liqueur
- juice of 1/2 lime
- Shaved or finely crushed ice as needed
- lime twist for garnish
Instructions
- To crush the ice, put ice cubes in a clean towel and bash with a kitchen mallet or rolling pin.
- Fill a shaker with ice, add the amaretto and lime juice, and shake briefly until well chilled.
- Pour into a chilled old-fashioned or liqueur glass filled with shaved ice.
- Garnish with a lime twist and serve immediately.
Notes
This drinks goes perfectly with a slice of amaretto cheesecake or amaretto chocolate cake.
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