Amaretto is an Italian almond-flavored liqueur that originated in Saronno, Lombardy. It has been made in Italy for over centuries but gained popularity in the late 1960s in the United States. The history of Amaretto dates back to 1525 when it was first invented and is believed to be the artisanal production of the Lazzaroni family. The business flourished in the 19th century when the mass production of Italy’s beloved liqueur began. Currently, it is one of the best and most consumed Italian liqueurs in the world with production around the world. Here’s everything you need to know about Amaretto.

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What is Amaretto?

Amaretto is a world-famous Italian liqueur with bold flavors of almonds and about 21-28 percent alcohol by volume. Despite its rich almond taste it is not always made from almonds, it is made from apricot kernels, peaches, and bitter almonds, all of which naturally contain benzaldehyde that gives its distinct almonds like flavor. The name Amaretto is derived from “Amaro” and “etto” which translates to “little bitter”. Amaretto has a very rich history and different recipes which vary from brand to brand, some infuse other botanicals into their liqueur while some use different ingredients to give a distinct style. At last, it is usually sweetened with burnt sugar that gives its dark amber color. It has a rich and sweet mouthfeel with strong flavors of almonds and fine layers of vanilla and sweet spices. The overall profile is bittersweet, making it a great base for a number of cocktails. 

Popular Amaretto brands to look out for:

Disaronno Originale

Source: Disaronno

The world’s most famous and widely consumed Amaretto, Disaronno, has been produced in the birthplace of Amaretto since 1525. It is made using the same old closely guarded secret recipe that includes apricot pits, burnt sugar, and seventeen secret ingredients. The distinct bottle of Disaronno was designed by a Venetian glassmaker in the 1970s and has not been majorly changed since then. It has a clear and bright copper appearance with a pronounced nose of bitter almond and hints of marzipan. The palate has a rich mouthfeel with bold flavors of roasted almonds, apricots, vanilla, and marzipan with a touch of freshness from citrus zest. This rich and versatile flavored liqueur can be used to add depth to various cocktails or can be appreciated on the rocks.

Region: Saronno, Lombardy

ABV: 28%

Price: $31

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Lazzaroni 

Source: Lazzaroni 

First produced in 1851, Lazzaroni is a unique style of amaretto created by Palol and Davide Lazzaroni in Saronno. This authentic amaretto is produced in the same old and unique family recipe and carries the centuries-old taste. This liqueur is made from a distinct process of infusing the famous “Amaretti del Chiostro di Saronno” cookies instead of fruits or herbs. It has a bright copper appearance with notes of marzipan, dried fruits, star anise, and cola nuts on the nose. The palate is smooth and velvety with sweet flavors of roasted almond and a complex brown spice finish. The packaging is one of a kind which makes it great for gifting. 

Region: Saronno, Lombardy

ABV: 24%

Price: $26

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Gozio Amaretto

Source: Gozio Amaretto

“The symbol of Italian quality”, Gozio is produced at the Distillerie Franciacorta in Gussago, using the same old unique process since 1901. It is made by infusing the bitter almonds from four continents for at least sixty days to produce one of the best amaretto with all-natural aromas and flavor. It is lighter on the palate with fine notes of almonds and caramel, extended by a long creamy finish. It is smooth and easy to drink with delicate flavors, which makes it a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own, used in cocktails, or can also be used in desserts.

Region: Gussago, Italy

ABV: 24%

Price: $25

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Adriatico

Source: Amaretto Adriatico

Adriatico is a contemporary amaretto created under the supervision of Jean-Robert Bellanger, using the all-natural finest ingredients. The "Filippo Cea" almond is the reason for its distinct flavor profile which is handpicked in the Apulian countryside. These almonds are roasted for hours before infusing with natural ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, and a touch of cane sugar. It has a unique profile with bold notes of roasted almonds enhanced with the bitter notes of coffee and cocoa, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of vanilla and cinnamon. The use of saline salt at the end provides a perfect body and a unique aftertaste for the liqueur.

Region: Puglia, Italy

ABV: 28%

Price: $35

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Luxardo

Source: Instagram / Luxardo

A classic style of amaretto, Luxardo has a rich history dating back to 1821. The Luxardo family has a long tradition of distilling fine liqueurs in Italy for over six generations. It is made using some of the finest ingredients available locally and gets its delicious almond flavors from the essential oils contained in the pits of cherries, peaches, and apricots. The almonds used in the process are sourced from Avola in southern Sicily which is considered the best almonds in the Mediterranean. It is well balanced and round in profile with the fragrance of fresh almonds and marzipan which is carried on to the taste with flavors of toasted bitter almonds, vanilla, and a bit of tannin from the black tea, and it ended with a rich and slightly sweeter finish.

Region: Veneto, Italy

ABV: 24%

Price: $30

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Some popular Amaretto cocktails:

Amaretto Sour

Source: The Spirits Business

Ingredients:

2 oz Amaretto

1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

¼ oz Simple Syrup

1 Egg White

Method:

Dry shake all the ingredients, then shake vigorously with ice, double strain into a serving glass and garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry.

Amaretto Fizz

Source: Disaronno

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Amaretto

0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Club Soda or Sparkling Water

Method:

Pour Amaretto in a glass filled with ice, add lemon juice, give a gentle stir, top up with soda or sparkling water and garnish with lemon zest.

Amaretto Bramble

Source: Adriatico Amaretto

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Amaretto

1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

¼ oz Blackberry Liqueur

¼ oz Simple Syrup

Method:

Pour all the ingredients into a glass filled with ice, gently stir to mix, and garnish with a cherry and roasted almonds.

Godfather

Source: BBC Goodfood

Ingredients:

1 oz Amaretto

1.5 oz Scotch Whisky

Method: 

Pour over a large block of ice in an old-fashioned glass, stir gently to mix, and garnish with an orange twist.

Amaretto Martini

Source: Town & Country Magazine

Ingredients:

⅓  oz Amaretto

2 oz Gin or Vodka

⅓ oz Dry Vermouth

Method: 

Add gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice, stir until chilled and mix, strain into a martini glass and finish with a splash of amaretto and a lemon twist of olives.

Header image source: Lightfield Studios

Article By Tushar Anand, Writer, Beverage Trade Network