Busted Pipe Bourbon & Amaro Cocktail Recipe

Love amaro and bourbon? This Amaro Cocktail—affectionately called the Busted Pipe—sits between an Old Fashioned and a Paper Plane. Warm, bittersweet, and easy to sip, it’s ideal for cozy evenings. Recipe makes one; double or triple as needed.

This cocktail was developed during the Deep Freeze of 2021 by my sister-in-law Julia, her roommate Haley, and friends. When Texas lost power during the February storm, the group rallied at friends’ houses and, inspired by recipes they found online, created a warming amaro-and-bourbon drink to lift spirits. Haley dubbed it the “Busted Pipe,” a nod to the frozen pipes causing havoc across the state. They’ve kept making it ever since.

Why I love this recipe:

I’m fairly new to amaro, but this cocktail converted me. It’s strong but remarkably smooth, with a comforting sweetness that balances the herbal bitterness of the amaro. It’s a fantastic winter sipper and a great introduction to amaro for those who haven’t tried it.

If you enjoy bourbon, this drink offers a lovely twist on familiar classics—think elements of an Old Fashioned, Black Manhattan, and Paper Plane rolled into one. If you’re simply curious about something new, give the Busted Pipe a try.

What you need to make this recipe

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• Old fashioned glass (or another short cocktail glass)
• Channel knife or vegetable peeler for the lemon twist
• Large square ice mold for a single large cube

Here’s what you will need:

• Amaro — an Italian herbal liqueur whose name means “bitter.” It blends herbal bitterness with a touch of sweetness; often served as an after-dinner digestif. Amaro Nonino is a great choice for this cocktail.
• Bourbon — use a bourbon you enjoy. The original uses Four Roses, but any good drinking bourbon will work.
• Luxardo cherries — richer and less cloying than standard maraschino cherries, Luxardos add complexity and balance.
• Lemon peel — a twist adds bright citrus aroma and a little acid to lift the drink.

How to make a Busted Pipe Amaro Cocktail

Mise en place. Gather ingredients and prepare a large square ice cube — it slows dilution and keeps the drink balanced.

Make the drink. Place one large ice cube in a short glass. Pour equal parts amaro and bourbon over the ice (the recipe card below lists exact amounts). Add a Luxardo cherry and a lemon twist, then stir gently until the drink is combined and slightly chilled.

Enjoy immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the interplay of bitter, sweet, and oak.

Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips and Tricks

This cocktail is an elegant after-dinner sipper for a small gathering. It’s also perfect for intimate dinner parties or for sharing with friends during cozy winter nights.

• Let guests mix their own. Frame the recipe, set out amaro, bourbon, Luxardo cherries, lemon twists, and a jigger, and let people build their own drinks.
• Make a pitcher. For a crowd, mix equal parts amaro and bourbon in a pitcher. Serve over ice and garnish each glass with a cherry and lemon twist.

Frequently Asked Questions