Ingredients
- 2 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1 dash Almond Liqueur
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Add 2 oz of dry vermouth and 1 dash of almond liqueur to a highball glass filled with ice.
Serve:
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Unlike its more famous namesake, the original Ferrari Shot with Campari and Fernet Branca, the Ferrari Shot #2 appears to be a distinct, modern creation. Its exact origins are murky, likely a contemporary bar invention or a house special designed to offer a lighter, more approachable alternative to heavier shots.
This shot falls into the simple aperitif or digestif shot category. It shares the “two ingredient and done” philosophy of drinks like the Godfather or a simple B&B, but stands apart with its vermouth base, offering a lower ABV and a drier, more herbal profile than spirit-forward counterparts.
You would typically find this served at a casual neighborhood bar, a quiet lounge, or even at home as a pre-dinner kicker. It is not a rowdy party shot, but rather something you would order when you want a quick, flavorful sip without much fuss.
What it tastes like
The first sip of a Ferrari Shot #2 delivers the dry, herbal, and slightly bitter notes of vermouth. This quickly gives way to the smooth, nutty sweetness of almond liqueur in the mid-palate, which rounds out the sharper edges. The finish is clean, crisp, and leaves a lingering hint of almond and botanical dryness.
With 2 ounces of 18% ABV dry vermouth and a dash of 24% ABV almond liqueur, this shot clocks in around 18-19% ABV overall. That makes it significantly lighter than a standard spirit shot, which is usually 40% ABV or more. Think of it as closer to a strong wine or a light aperitif cocktail, providing flavor without a heavy punch.
The technique
Building this shot is straightforward. Start with a highball glass filled with ice. Measure your dry vermouth directly into the glass, then add a precise dash of almond liqueur. Give it a gentle stir to properly chill and combine the ingredients without over-diluting, then serve it up immediately.
The key technique here is the gentle stir. Because this drink is vermouth-forward and not spirit-heavy, you want to chill it thoroughly without beating it up or over-diluting. A vigorous stir will add too much water and mute the delicate herbal and nutty notes, turning it bland.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Dry Vermouth
- Use
- Dolin Dry, Noilly Prat Original Dry. Look for a crisp, herbal, and not overly sweet dry vermouth.
- Skip
- Sweet vermouth. Using sweet vermouth will completely alter the drink’s intended dry and crisp profile, turning it into something far heavier and sweeter.
- Why
- Dry vermouth is the backbone of this shot, providing its distinct botanical bitterness, dryness, and a lower ABV base that makes it an aperitif.
Almond Liqueur
- Use
- Disaronno Originale, Lazzaroni Amaretto. These offer a rich, authentic almond flavor with a balanced sweetness.
- Skip
- Almond extract. This is purely for baking, far too concentrated and non-alcoholic. Also skip other nut liqueurs like hazelnut, as they will change the core flavor profile.
- Why
- The almond liqueur provides the necessary sweetness and nutty depth to balance the vermouth, giving the shot its “Ferrari Shot #2” character.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Sweet Ferrari
- A hint of extra sweetness.
- Increase the almond liqueur to 1/4 oz for a noticeably sweeter, more dessert-like shot that still retains the vermouth’s character.
Citrus Twist
- A brighter edge.
- Add a small lemon twist, expressed over the drink before serving, to introduce a zesty aroma and a touch of acidic brightness.
Blanc Ferrari
- Softer and sweeter base.
- Substitute dry vermouth with blanc vermouth, which is sweeter and often has vanilla or floral notes, creating a gentler, more aromatic shot.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a dry white port or a Lillet Blanc, though both will shift the flavor profile significantly. Expect more sweetness and less herbal complexity.
A dash of orgeat syrup can provide a similar nutty sweetness, but it is non-alcoholic. Alternatively, a different nut liqueur like Frangelico could work if you do not mind a hazelnut flavor.
Any small drinking glass or even a rocks glass will do. The presentation is not critical for this simple shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Ferrari Shot #2?
A Ferrari Shot #2 contains 2 oz of dry vermouth and 1 dash of almond liqueur.
Is Ferrari Shot #2 a strong shot?
No, it is a relatively low ABV shot, typically around 18-19%. This is comparable to a strong wine, much less potent than a typical spirit shot.
What does Ferrari Shot #2 taste like?
It tastes dry and herbal upfront from the vermouth, followed by a smooth, nutty sweetness from the almond liqueur, finishing crisp and slightly sweet.
Is Ferrari Shot #2 related to the classic Ferrari Shot?
No, the classic Ferrari Shot typically uses Campari and Fernet Branca. The Ferrari Shot #2 is a distinct drink with entirely different ingredients and flavor profile.
Can I make a batch of Ferrari Shot #2?
Yes, you can pre-batch the vermouth and almond liqueur mixture. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator and pour over ice when serving for quick preparation.
What’s the best way to serve a Ferrari Shot #2?
Serve it well-chilled, stirred gently with ice in a highball or small glass. No elaborate garnish is typically needed for this simple shot.
Can I use sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth?
Substituting sweet vermouth will drastically change the drink. It will become much sweeter and heavier, losing the crisp, dry aperitif quality intended for the Ferrari Shot #2.
What’s the best almond liqueur for this shot?
Amaretto is the standard. Brands like Disaronno or Lazzaroni offer a good balance of almond flavor and sweetness for this recipe.
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