Mi Amore

Romance does not always need a long recipe or a fancy setup, and Mi Amore proves that point fast. This cocktail came from wanting something flirty and fun without turning the kitchen into a full bar. I wanted bubbles, fruit, and just enough warmth from whiskey to make it feel cozy instead of light and forgettable.

Skrewball Whiskey is what makes this drink stand out. That smooth, slightly sweet profile works surprisingly well with sparkling Lambrusco and strawberry syrup. The result is a cocktail that feels playful but still grounded. I love this because it feels thoughtful without trying too hard, and it comes together right in the glass. Mi Amore is perfect for date nights, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or quiet evenings when you want cocktails that feel a little special.

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Why You’ll Love This

Mi Amore is a simple cocktail, but it tastes layered and intentional. You get fruit, bubbles, and a smooth whiskey finish all in one sip. It’s a great option when you want something romantic that doesn’t feel fussy or overly sweet.

• Built directly in the glass with no shaker needed
• Light and bubbly thanks to Lambrusco
• Strawberry syrup adds sweetness without heaviness
• Skrewball Whiskey brings warmth and depth
• Looks beautiful with minimal garnish
• Easy to make for one or scale up for two

If you enjoy cocktails that feel relaxed but still special, this one fits right in.

Ingredients

This recipe works because each ingredient does exactly what it needs to do. Lambrusco provides gentle bubbles and fruit notes, strawberry syrup adds sweetness and color, and Skrewball Whiskey gives the drink structure. There’s nothing extra here, which lets the flavors stay clean.

• 2 oz Skrewball Whiskey
• 4 oz Lambrusco
• 0.75 oz strawberry simple syrup
• Ice
• Strawberry heart halves (for garnish)

A few ingredient notes to keep in mind:

• Skrewball Whiskey: This is the backbone of the drink. Its smooth finish and subtle sweetness pair surprisingly well with fruit and sparkling wine.
• Lambrusco: A lightly sparkling red wine works best. It should be fruity and not overly dry so it balances the whiskey.
• Strawberry simple syrup: Adds sweetness and ties the fruit and whiskey together. You can adjust the amount slightly depending on how sweet your Lambrusco is.
• Ice: Use fresh ice so the drink stays cold without tasting watered down.
• Strawberry garnish: Heart-shaped halves lean into the romantic theme and add a fresh aroma.

Tip: If your Lambrusco is very sweet, reduce the syrup slightly so the drink stays balanced.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

For this cocktail, Skrewball Whiskey is the only whiskey that truly fits the flavor profile. Its smooth, slightly sweet character is what makes Mi Amore work as intended, so it’s important to let it take center stage.

• Skrewball Whiskey: Use Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey as written. Its flavor adds warmth and a soft sweetness that pairs naturally with strawberry and Lambrusco.
• Lambrusco selection: Choose a lightly sparkling Lambrusco with fruity notes rather than a very dry one. This keeps the drink approachable and smooth.
• Strawberry syrup substitute: If you don’t have strawberry simple syrup, you can muddle fresh strawberries with a little sugar and strain, but syrup gives the cleanest result.
• Lower-alcohol option: Use a little less Skrewball and a bit more Lambrusco for a lighter sip.
• No substitutions for whiskey: This recipe is designed specifically to highlight Skrewball, so swapping the whiskey will change the drink completely.

If you’re making this for a brand-focused moment, keeping Skrewball front and center helps the cocktail taste intentional rather than improvised.

Equipment and Glassware

Mi Amore is meant to be simple, so you don’t need much. It’s a great example of a cocktail that looks polished without any special tools.

What you’ll need:

• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Wine Glass
• Knife and cutting board (for garnish)

Glass tip: A stemless wine glass makes the bubbles feel elegant, while a rocks glass keeps things casual. Both work well.

How to Make It

This cocktail comes together in under a minute, which makes it perfect for relaxed evenings or last-minute plans. The key is gentle stirring so you keep the bubbles intact.

1. Add ice to the glass.
   Fill your glass with fresh ice.
2. Pour in the ingredients.
   Add Skrewball Whiskey, strawberry simple syrup, and Lambrusco directly over the ice.
3. Stir gently.
   Give the drink a slow stir just to combine everything without knocking out the bubbles.
4. Garnish and serve.
   Add strawberry heart halves to the rim or float them gently in the glass.
5. Enjoy.
   Serve immediately while the drink is cold and bubbly.

Common tweak: If you prefer a stronger whiskey note, add a splash more Skrewball and stir again lightly.

Pro Tips

Even simple cocktails benefit from a little attention to detail. These tips help keep Mi Amore balanced, bubbly, and good-looking from the first sip to the last.

• Use chilled Lambrusco. Cold wine keeps the drink refreshing and helps preserve carbonation.
• Stir gently. Over-stirring will flatten the bubbles.
• Taste before serving. Strawberry syrup sweetness can vary.
• Cut clean strawberry hearts. A sharp knife makes the garnish look neat.
• Serve right away. Sparkling cocktails are best fresh.
• Use clear ice if possible. It looks nicer and melts slower.
• Adjust sweetness slowly. Add syrup in small amounts if needed.
• Keep it simple. The beauty of this drink is its restraint.

Once you’ve made it once, it becomes an easy go-to for romantic moments.

Variations

Mi Amore is flexible while still keeping its core identity. You can adjust the vibe slightly depending on the occasion without losing what makes it special.

• Extra bubbly version: Add a splash more Lambrusco for a lighter, wine-forward drink.
• Strawberry-forward version: Increase strawberry syrup to 1 oz for a sweeter finish.
• No-ice version: Build the drink without ice if everything is well chilled for a more wine-like feel.
• Mocktail-inspired option: Use strawberry syrup and sparkling grape juice for a non-alcoholic take.
• Frozen strawberry garnish: Use frozen strawberry hearts to chill the drink slightly without dilution.

These tweaks keep the drink interesting while staying true to the original idea.

When to Serve and Pairings

Mi Amore is best served in moments that feel personal and relaxed. It’s not a loud party cocktail. It’s a “sit close and sip” kind of drink.

Perfect times to serve it:

• Date nights at home
• Valentine’s Day or anniversaries
• Cozy evenings with music playing
• Small dinner parties
• Dessert hour without a full dessert

Pair it with:

• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Light desserts like shortbread or biscotti
• Cheese boards with soft cheeses
• Fresh berries and dark chocolate
• Simple finger foods that aren’t too salty

The balance of fruit and whiskey works best with foods that don’t overpower it.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail should be made fresh. Because it uses sparkling wine, it doesn’t hold well once mixed.

Helpful notes:

• Keep Lambrusco chilled until serving.
• Prep strawberry garnishes ahead and store them in the fridge.
• Measure ingredients before guests arrive for faster assembly.
• Avoid batching with Lambrusco mixed in. Add it per glass to keep bubbles.

If you want to prep, pre-measure Skrewball and strawberry syrup together, then add Lambrusco when serving.

FAQs

This is a simple cocktail, but a few questions tend to come up the first time people make it.

Does Skrewball Whiskey really work with sparkling wine?
Yes. Its smooth sweetness pairs well with fruit and bubbles, creating a balanced sip.

What type of Lambrusco should I use?
Choose a lightly sparkling, fruit-forward Lambrusco rather than a very dry style.

Can I make this drink less sweet?
Reduce the strawberry syrup or choose a drier Lambrusco.

Should I shake this cocktail?
No. Stirring gently keeps the bubbles intact and the texture smooth.

Can I serve this without ice?
Yes, as long as all ingredients are well chilled.

How do I make the strawberry hearts?
Slice strawberries in half, then trim a small “V” at the top to create a heart shape.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like Mi Amore, you’ll probably enjoy other cocktails that balance fruit, bubbles, and smooth spirits.

• Cupid’s Arrow Lemon Drop Martini: A bright, pink citrus cocktail with berry notes.
• Chocolate Cherry Martini: A dessert-style drink with rich cocoa and cherry flavor.
• Pink Lemonade Margarita: Sweet-tart and easy to shake up for a crowd.
• Strawberry Sweetheart Martini: Creamy and festive with a decorated rim.
• Tequila Espresso Martini: Bold coffee flavor with a smooth finish.