Ready to step it up from flavored fizzy water? Eschewing alcohol but still craving that bittersweet pucker of a spritz or negroni? Chill down a bottle of Casamara Club Amaro Soda. Delicious and very food-friendly.
Four flavors are available; I found the differences quite subtle. (Naturally I got the variety case to sample the quartet.) The Alta caught my attention because it’s the name of the ski resort where I lived (eons ago) for two memorable winters and one underrated summer. Let’s look at its ingredients to give an idea of what Casamara Club is all about:
Sparkling Water, Lemon Juice, Demerara Cane Sugar, and Extracts of Italian Chinotto, Juniper Berry, Orris Root, Mandarin Orange, Allspice Berry, Clove Bud, and Anise, with Mediterranean Sea Salt.
Very little sugar here; just enough to balance the botanicals. The pinch of salt is a nice touch, too. Speaking of salt, these sodas are wonderful with salty snacks. Popcorn, Doritos, all the crunchy things etc.
If you’re looking to get creative with these amaro club sodas, the options are numerous. Hey, if you buy Casamara Club you’re already showing some flavor initiative. All you need is a bottle opener to become a maestro of mid-afternoon. But I do like the recipe on the website for a N/A drink called Tan Lines, which adds a splash of tea bitters to some Alta club soda.
This cocktail is adapted from Julia Bainbridge’s Good Drinks, a book I recently purchased. The refreshing subtitle is “Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason.” I’m just diving into the book, but I will say I like the recipes have a noted “Commitment Level.” Mix up something on the easy-peasy side, prep-wise or buckle down for for a drink involving some kitchen sessions. Let your mood and motivation be your guide.
Casamara Club Amaro Soda: Can-Do
I should also point out you can get the Alta in cans! Woo-hoo! Break out the can koozies. I haven’t had the Alta in this format, but interestingly the website notes the cans are more mellow in the bubbles department. But you’ll look super-cool with these stylish cans at the beach/lake/park/picnic table so don’t sweat it, ok?
This is really good. Feel like tasting one of them.