Amaretto liqueurs (2024)

Amaretto liqueurs (1)

Amaretto is a fragrant almond flavoured liqueur. Traditionally, the almond flavour and slight bitterness come from oil extracted from bitter apricot kernels. However, sufferers of nut allergies should be aware that some amarettos are now made using almonds.

Surprisingly, amarettos such as Disaronno Originale don't contain any almonds or indeed nuts - the nutty almond flavour comes only from apricot kernels. Infusions and distillations of various botanicals, most importantly vanilla, contribute to the liqueur's flavour, as does burnt sugar caramel which also gives the liqueur its dark chestnut hue.

The name amaretto comes from a diminutive of 'amaro', the Italian word for bitter, referencing the bitter almond (mandorla amara) so essential to the balance of a good amaretto. Some say the name means 'a little bitter while others say amaretto is a conflation of amaro (bitter) and amore (Italian for love), perhaps a reference to the fairy-tale story of the creation of DiSaronno, which claims to be the original amaretto.

Amaretto is thought to have originated in Saronno, a small town near Milan, Italy and DiSaronno, was originally called 'Amaretto di Saronno', literally 'Amaretto from Saronno'. There are hundreds of brands of amaretto made in Italy and other countries but DiSaronno, which is still family-owned and made in Saronno, remains the best-selling brand of amaretto.

Amaretto is a versatile co*cktail ingredient and we have over 100 amaretto co*cktail recipes here on Difford's Guide.

Amaretto liqueurs (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular amaretto liqueur? ›

There are hundreds of brands of amaretto made in Italy and other countries but DiSaronno, which is still family-owned and made in Saronno, remains the best-selling brand of amaretto. Amaretto is a versatile co*cktail ingredient and we have over 100 amaretto co*cktail recipes here on Difford's Guide.

What is a substitute for 1 4 cup amaretto liqueur? ›

You can use almond extract to replace almond liqueur or amaretto liqueur in a recipe. OliveNation Almond Extract's flavor is more concentrated than amaretto or almond liqueur. Our recommended substitution ratio is 4 to 8 times liqueur to extract.

Is amaretto liqueur the same as Disaronno? ›

Disaronno is a brand of Amaretto, a liqueur made from Italian amber and almond flavours. In conclusion, the primary distinction between Amaretto and Disaronno is their almond content. Disaronno does not contain almonds despite its almond flavour.

How to drink amaretto liqueur? ›

Amaretto is typically served as a dessert drink. It can be enjoyed as a cordial over ice, or mixed with carbonated drinks for a longer beverage. The almond liqueur pairs well with coffee and is often used in creamy co*cktails or as a way to sweeten up a martini.

Should you drink amaretto straight? ›

You can drink amaretto straight by itself, or mix it with scotch, bourbon, rum, and other alcoholic drinks. Amaretto also mixes well with non-alcoholic drinks, like coffee, hot chocolate, and ginger beer. To drink amaretto straight, pour it over ice. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra flavor.

What is amaretto called now? ›

The product was called Amaretto di Saronno (Amaretto from Saronno) until 2001, when it was rebranded as "Disaronno Originale" for marketing reasons. Disaronno can be served neat as a cordial, on the rocks, or as part of a co*cktail mixed with other alcoholic beverages, cola, ginger ale, or fruit juice.

What is a cheap version of amaretto? ›

Aldi's option is a little lower in alcohol content however it does still achieve the desired effect. Check out this easiest recipe for an Amaretto co*cktail if you like a sweet, dessert-like drink. Aldi Amaretto is one of many great (and cheap) Aldi liqueurs.

Are Frangelico and amaretto the same? ›

Frangelico and amaretto are the most popular nut-flavored liqueurs. They're comparable in color and used in similarly styled co*cktails. In drinks, the two can be used as substitutes for one another as you understand the difference in flavors. Amaretto's almond taste is more subtle than Frangelico's hazelnut.

Is amaretto the same as Grand Marnier? ›

No, Amaretto is an Italian liqueur. Grand Marnier is a French liqueur, a unique blend of cognac and exotic bitter oranges liqueur.

Does amaretto go bad? ›

Liqueurs and Cordials

The shelf life of a liqueur (e.g., schnapps, amaretto, and triple sec) is more temperamental. These spirits contain sugar and other ingredients that can spoil, some are more problematic than others. Generally, you'll want to discard open bottles after about 18 months.

Why is Disaronno so good? ›

Disaronno is a pleasure to enjoy on the rocks as well as in its various mixed drinks. With its distinctive colour and unmistakable taste, Disaronno Originale is a timeless symbol of Italian taste. Intense and persistent fragrance, sweet and fruity character, complemented by a warming sensation.

What is the oldest amaretto brand? ›

Disaronno Originale

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.

What mixes best with amaretto? ›

The bittersweet almond and vanilla flavour of amaretto mixes brilliantly with dark spirits – particularly whiskey but this versatile liqueur also mixes well with a wide range of white spirits – vodka obviously but also the likes of tequila and gin, the Marsala Martini being a brilliant example.

Do people drink amaretto by itself? ›

When served as a beverage, amaretto can be drunk by itself, used as an ingredient to create several popular mixed drinks, or added to coffee. Amaretto is also commonly used in Italian and other cuisines, especially in recipes for confectionery and sweet baked goods.

What are amaretto and baileys called? ›

While The Gilbert can be made with any brand of Bailey's and Amaretto, using higher quality brands may enhance the co*cktail's flavor profile.

Is amaretto a sipping liquor? ›

Amaretto can range in terms of its alcohol content, but like many liqueurs, it is often between 20-28% alcohol by volume, making it an easy sipper when served neat or on the rocks.

What brand of amaretto is made from almonds? ›

Villa de Varda Amaretto Liqueur is made in tiny quantities, solely from natural almond skins. Almond harvesting in the forests of Trentino is very tightly controlled by the government.

Is Da Vinci amaretto good? ›

Bottom Line: Like drinking a delicious almond cookie; a truly tasty Amaretto.

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