Yes, Sandy, I do remember that opening scene from the Thin Man, it’s one of my favorite movie scenes ever—especially Myrna Loy’s remarkable pratfall as she comes into the bar.

So tequila and Campari, sounds like an interesting drink. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the great story.

I’m glad you enjoyed the Amargo. I agree, it does deserve some wider appreciation.

i put the amargo on my monthly menue
the drink deserves distribution.

best
don sling 4 s.s.mprezz

I can believe that the 1:1 proportions would work—a slight adjustment from the 5:4 in Lax’s original. As Gary Regan says, nothing is written in stone…

i used lemon juice instead of lime, and changed proportions – juice : alkohol 1:1

I can’t wait to try your substitution to see what it’s like. It’s a very clever substitution, and it’s fun to know that it makes a good drink.

Alas! for your friends’ experience with tequila; perhaps another day, when their history is richer.

I will search out some Campari and do some further testing.

That’s a tough one. I don’t know of anything that can properly substitute for Campari.

I’ve seen a couple references to using Gran Classico amaro, but I’ve never even seen that product and I have no idea if it’s a flavor analog; besides, I’d guess that if your retailer doesn’t carry the ubiquitous Campari, you won’t see Gran Classico either.

Which gets us back to do-it-yourself Campari substitutes. It’s interesting to consider that there might be a way to combine other off-the-shelf products, but I suspect it would always be a mixture of some other amaro or amaros, plus some combination of common bitters, but then you’re having to stock products that may be even harder to come by than Campari, and still not getting the gorgeous color, nor the intended alpha dog flavor that seems to combine so delightfully with tequila in this drink.

It’s an interesting challenge. If you figure it out, I’d love to know the answer. If we’re lucky, someone will add some good starting ideas here.

As I said, things kind of went badly, I think the Herra Dura was maybe too earthy and maybe Angostura Bitters was a poor substitute. Maybe my Herencia Tequila will work better for the next go round. Any suggestions for a Campari substitute. (I’m thinking maybe Vermouth and bitters)

Of course, those of us who take statins to control cholesterol have a deprecation against grapefruit juice. Two ounces (or four, or six) probably doesn’t matter–I think you have to drink a gallon (or five) of the stuff to cause a reaction–but still it nags at you a little, that this may not be the best thing…

It’s interesting to ponder where the real danger lies.

Yeah, this one did some serious harm to my tequila and Campari supply over New Years. And I had sort of gotten away from grapefruit juice, so it was fun to reintroduce it to the repertoire.