Despite Passione Nera’s distinctly deep licorice flavor, the Beam of Passione comes off surprisingly well. Then again I had never tasted Sambuca of any sort and was prepared for taste sensation that would knock my socks off. Pairing the Passione Nera with Jim Beam cuts the sweetness considerably and takes the edginess out of the Sambuca. The orange and lemon fruit flavors add a sense of balance to the cocktail, thus creating something quite enjoyable. However, this is one time a colored glass would come in handy.  It is a tad murky with its darkish hue. The orange juice immediately combined with the Passione Nera causing the beautiful purplish black to go grayish green. Perhaps this cocktail would pair lovely with St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween!

Beam of Passione Drink Recipe

Beam of Passione – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1 ounce Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey

1/2 ounce Luxardo Passione Nera

1-1/4 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

2 Thick Orange Wedges as Garnish

Build in a double old fashioned glass on the rocks.  Garnish with orange wedges.

All content ©2014 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com