The Argentine aperitif Amargo Obrero secured the fourth place in the ranking by the gastronomic guide Taste Atlas.
The prestigious gourmet guide Taste Atlas compiled a list of the world’s best aperitifs, and Argentina was represented with a national product: Amargo Obrero ranked fourth among 83 herbal liqueurs, scoring 4 out of 5 stars.
Taste Atlas, a website providing information and recommendations on local cuisine from all countries, featured its Top 10 best "herbal liqueurs" with Amargo Obrero included in this list.
In the selection made by the gastronomic encyclopedia, there are liqueurs from various countries such as France, Italy, Czech Republic, Chile, and Portugal.
What did Taste Atlas say about Amargo Obrero?
The well-known site described Amargo Obrero as "a dark brown bitter that is characterized by its herbal flavor, almost like licorice".
"It was initially created in 1887 in response to the sweet drinks of the upper classes, and since then it has been known as the aperitif of the Argentine people and the drink of the working class," they added.
Regarding its composition, Taste Atlas explained that "although it can be enjoyed alone, the bitter is typically used in mixed drinks and, while the standard is to combine it with tonic, other suggestions include orange juice, coke, or sparkling water. The drink is bottled at 19.9% alcohol by volume".
Furthermore, the drink was declared a cultural heritage of the city of Rosario. It features a sophisticated blend of herbs - carqueja, chamomile, and muña muña - achieving a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.
"At a time when consumption trends are changing and aperitifs are booming, it is important to highlight Amargo Obrero not only for its composition but for being part of our history and traditions," said bartender Diego Zelaya. And he stated: "Recognitions like these enhance this emblematic drink that continues to be a one hundred percent national classic that endures over time".
Created by Pedro Calatroni and Antonio Tacconi in 1888, Amargo Obrero emerged as a drink of the people in response to the sweet drinks consumed by the bourgeois class, and was quickly adopted as a symbol of the working class.
How to prepare Amargo Obrero at home?
Pico y Pala
Ingredients: 50% Amargo Obrero, 50% grapefruit soda, ice, and a slice of pink grapefruit.
How it is prepared: fill a glass with ice and serve 50% Amargo Obrero and 50% grapefruit soda. Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit.
El Che
Ingredients: 60ml of Amargo Obrero, 150ml of cola soda, and ice.
How it is prepared: fill a glass with ice, serve the Amargo Obrero, and top up with cola soda.
Pueblo Grande
Ingredients: 60ml of Amargo Obrero, 150ml of soda water, and ice.
How it is prepared: in a glass with ice, serve the Amargo Obrero and add soda water.
