When fall arrives I look toward spirit combinations like mezcal and spicy amaro to warm the senses. 

Certain flavors call for certain weather. In the case of The Patina, this cocktail calls for a brisk evening with a scattering of autumn leaves. The Patina was inspired by the release of Newport Craft’s Acrimony American Amaro, a bittersweet botanical amaro in the same vein as its Italian brethren, a sweeter, gentler version of Fernet Branca or a less vegetal cousin of Cardamaro (made with artichoke).

Acrimony Amaro is well balanced and swings high with floral notes of hops and sweet spices that pair nicely with mezcal. Fresh orange juice and lemon bring life and zest to the sweet florality of the amaro as the palate picks up fresh notes of angelica and settles with a light leathery tone that cues up mezcal’s smoky embers. One sip of The Patina and I feel as though I’m warming up by the fireside, the perfect sensation to accompany the change of seasons.