What is Amaretto?

What is amaretto made of?

Amaretto (from the Italian for “a little bitter”) is a liqueur with an almond-like flavor. Depending on the brand it can be made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones or almonds. These are natural sources of benzaldehyde, which gives the almond-like taste, so some amarettos contain no true almonds. Alcohol and sugar make up the rest, and some brands add other flavorings. If you have a nut allergy, do not guess: read the label and ask the maker.

What does amaretto taste like?

Sweet and nutty with a light bitter-almond edge. Many people compare it to marzipan or almond cookies.

Is amaretto alcohol? How strong is it?

Yes, it is an alcoholic liqueur. Amaretto generally contains about 21 to 28% alcohol by volume, so it is weaker than whiskey or vodka but not a soft drink. The exact strength is printed on the bottle. It is also high in sugar.

Where does amaretto come from?

Italy. It is linked to the municipality of Saronno, and Disaronno is a well-known Italian brand. You may read stories about a 16th-century origin, but we could not verify them, so we do not state one as fact.

How do you drink amaretto?

• Neat or over ice after dinner.
• In an amaretto sour, made with lemon juice, sugar and often egg white.
• In a Godfather, which is amaretto and Scotch whisky.
• In coffee or hot chocolate, or over ice cream.
• In baking and desserts.

Amaretto vs amaretti

Amaretti are Italian almond cookies. They share the flavor but are not a liqueur, and the two names are easy to confuse.

Can I substitute it?

For baking without alcohol, a little almond extract diluted in water or juice gives a similar flavor. Use it sparingly, since it is strong. Anyone who avoids alcohol, is pregnant or is driving should skip the liqueur.