Amaretto is an Italian liqueur with a distinctive almond flavor. It is made from sweet and bitter almonds with added spices, originating from the Saronno area in Lombardy, Italy. The liqueur typically has an alcohol by volume of 25%.
How it is made
Amaretto is produced by infusing sweet and bitter almonds with vanilla and other aromatic herbs and roots. The almonds are soaked in grape syrup to break down amygdalin during distillation. This process gives amaretto its characteristic marzipan-like flavor and almond aroma.
History
The origins of amaretto trace back to the Saronno district in the Varese province of Lombardy, Italy. The most famous brand, Disaronno Amaretto Originale, has been produced since 1525. The square bottle shape, a distinctive feature of amaretto, was reportedly designed by Murano glassblowers to allow identification by touch even in darkness.
Types and styles
While Italian brands like Disaronno, Lazzaroni, and Luxardo are most well-known, amaretto is also produced in the Netherlands by brands such as Bols and DeKuyper. The liqueur typically contains 21-30% alcohol by volume and about 30 grams of sugar per liter.
How it is served
Amaretto can be served neat over ice, used in cocktails, or added to tea and coffee. It is also utilized in baking and dessert preparation for soaking cakes and adding flavor. On this site, amaretto is featured in cocktails such as the Godfather, Flaming Doctor Pepper, and Blow Job, among 36 total cocktails.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Амаретто, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Well-known brands
- Disaronno (Italy)