Amaretto liqueur has become a staple in bars and kitchens worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of amaretto, its recipe, and its myriad uses in both mixology and cooking.
Contents
What is Amaretto liqueur?
Amaretto is a delicious Italian liqueur with a sweet, almond flavor. It’s a bit sweet with a hint of bitterness, and you can taste vanilla and rich almonds in it. Surprisingly, even though it’s known for its almond taste, it’s often made from apricot pits or peach stones. These natural ingredients give it that familiar almond flavor.
The name “amaretto” comes from the Italian word “amaro,” which means “bitter.” This reflects the slight bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the liqueur. Its alcohol content can vary by brand, but it typically ranges from 20% to 28% alcohol by volume (ABV), making it a moderately strong liqueur. This liqueur is celebrated on April 19th – National Amaretto Day in the US.
Homemade Amaretto liqueur recipe
Amaretto liqueur is used in almost every aspect of cooking cuisine. You can use this liqueur to make drinks, desserts, or even sauce in savory dishes. Whether you purchase a bottle or decide to whip it up yourself, making Amaretto is simple and convenient. Here’s how to make Amaretto at home:
Classic Amaretto recipe
Ingredients
Amaretto recipe with almond extract
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups vodka
- 2 tbsp almond extract
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Amaretto recipe with apricot or peach pits
- 1 cup of cleaned and dried apricot pits or peach stones Ensure there’s no fruit flesh remaining, and be aware that the pits need to be cracked open to use the kernels inside.
- 2 cups of vodka or grain alcohol 40% AVB
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
Non-alcoholic Amaretto recipe
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp almond extract or to taste
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk to add body
- 1-2 tsp of glycerin, food grade to add a silky mouthfeel similar to liqueur Optional
Instructions
Amaretto recipe with almond extract
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugars are completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Once the syrup is cool, stir in the vodka, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a bottle or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark place to let the flavors meld together.
Amaretto recipe with apricot or peach pits
- Use a nutcracker or a hammer to carefully crack open the apricot pits or peach stones to get to the kernels inside. You’re aiming to use the inner kernels, so try to keep them intact as much as possible.
- Place the cracked pits or stones in a clean glass jar or container. Pour the vodka or grain alcohol over the pits or stones, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly.
- Allow the mixture to infuse in a cool, dark place for about 4 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to mix the flavors.
- After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all solids, including the kernels and any sediment. For a clearer liqueur, strain multiple times or through a coffee filter.
- Gradually add sugar to the infused alcohol and stir until dissolved, tasting as you go until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
- Transfer the strained liquid into a clean bottle or jar. Seal it tightly.
Non-alcoholic Amaretto recipe
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugars are completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Once the syrup is cool, stir in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and almond milk. If using glycerin, add it now. Mix well to ensure everything is fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a bottle or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before using.
Notes
How to drink
Amaretto liqueur is versatile in its use. Its delicious flavor makes it a favorite not just in drinks, but also in desserts. Here are several enjoyable ways to appreciate amaretto, whether you’re savoring it solo or as part of a mixed drink.
Neat or on the rocks
- Neat: This means you can drink amaretto liqueur straight by pouring it into a small glass at room temperature. This way, you can fully enjoy its aroma and taste variations.
- On the Rocks: If you prefer a slightly chilled and diluted drink, serve amaretto liqueur over ice in a rocks glass. The ice cools the liqueur and slightly dilutes it, which can soften the sweetness and intensify certain flavors.
Cocktails
Amaretto is a flexible liqueur that blends nicely with many different ingredients, which is why it’s a favorite for cocktails.
- Amaretto Sour: One of the most famous amaretto cocktails, it combines amaretto with lemon juice and a sweetener (like simple syrup), often garnished with a cherry or orange slice. The sourness of the lemon juice perfectly balances the sweetness of the amaretto.
- Italian Margarita: Mix amaretto with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice for a twist on the classic margarita.
- Godfather: This is a simple yet strong drink made with amaretto and Scotch whisky. You can adjust the amounts based on your preference, but typically, people start with 1 part amaretto liqueur and 2 parts Scotch.
Here are other Amaretto drinks you may want to check.
With coffee or tea
Amaretto liqueur can add a rich, nutty flavor to hot beverages.
- Coffee: A splash of amaretto in your coffee can transform it into a special treat. You can add cream or milk to create an amaretto latte.
- Tea: Adding a small amount of amaretto to black or herbal tea can enhance its flavor, especially in the evening. It pairs particularly well with:
- Black tea: Creating an almond-flavored “hard tea”
- Chai: Adding sweetness and nutty notes to spiced tea
- Rooibos: Enhancing the natural nuttiness of the tea
- Hot Chocolate is enhanced by the addition of amaretto. This combination creates a luxurious, adult version of the classic comfort drink. I often garnish my amaretto hot chocolate with toasted almond slivers for an extra touch of indulgence.
As a dessert accompaniment
- Dessert Shots: Offer small servings of amaretto either alongside your dessert or as the dessert itself. It goes perfectly with chocolate, fruit, and desserts made with nuts like the pistachio baklava.
- Over Ice Cream: Drizzle amaretto liqueur over vanilla ice cream for a simple yet sophisticated dessert.
In cooking
Amaretto isn’t only enjoyed as a drink; it’s also widely used in cooking.
- Baking: You can mix amaretto into cake, cookie, or brownie recipes to give them a richer taste with a touch of almond flavor.
- Sauces and Glazes: Incorporate it into sauces or glazes for meat dishes or desserts. This adds a delightful sweetness and complexity to meat dishes or desserts.
- Flavoring Agent: Beyond direct use in recipes, amaretto can be used to create flavored:
- Whipped cream
- Syrups for coffee or cocktails
- Ganache for truffles or cake fillings
Substitutes
If you’re looking for amaretto substitutes, there are plenty of options available.
1. Nut-based Liqueurs
Frangelico is a hazelnut liqueur that can substitute for amaretto. Other nut-based liqueurs that can provide similar nutty, sweet flavors include:
- Nocino walnut liqueur
- Crème de Noisette hazelnut cream liqueur
- Baileys Almande almond milk liqueur
2. Other Substitutes
- Almond extract has a similar flavor but is less sweet than amaretto. Use 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for every tablespoon of amaretto liqueur in your recipe.
- Almond syrup is made from almonds, sugar, and water and adds sweetness.
- Marzipan is a sweet almond paste
- Chocolate and coffee liqueurs bring rich flavors
- Anisette tastes like licorice
- Almond orgeat is a sweet almond syrup with a hint of orange flower water
If you’d rather skip the alcohol altogether, try using alcohol-free options like almond extract, almond syrup, or non-alcoholic amaretto flavoring. The best substitute depends on what flavor you’re going for and whether you want alcohol in your recipe.
Best brands
There are several well-known Amaretto brands in the market, each offering its own unique take on this classic Italian liqueur:
1. Disaronno Originale is the most recognizable brand of Amaretto. It is known for its distinctive square bottle and rich, marzipan flavor without using almonds. It claims a history dating back to 1525.
- Alcohol Content: 28% ABV (alcohol by volume)
- Price Range: Around $20 to $40 for a 750ml bottle, depending on the retailer and location.
2. Lazzaroni Amaretto: Lazzaroni’s version is unique because it claims to be the only Amaretto made by infusing the famous Amaretti di Saronno cookies, giving it a distinct and authentic flavor.
- Alcohol Content: 24% ABV
- Price Range: Approximately $20 to $30 for a 750ml bottle.
3. White Possum Naked Amaretto is a locally made Australian version of the classic Italian Amaretto liqueur. This unique liqueur combines crushed bitter almonds and Strawberry Gum leaves for a bold, floral marzipan flavor.
- Alcohol content of 24% ABV
- Price Range: AU$ 45 – AU$ 55 for a 500ml bottle.
4. Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira: Luxardo, a company famous for its Maraschino liqueur, also produces high-quality Amaretto. It’s known for its balanced almond flavor with a hint of vanilla and dark cherries.
- Alcohol Content: 28% ABV
- Price Range: Roughly $22 to $30 for a 750ml bottle.
5. Gozio Amaretto is a premium liqueur made from a selection of four different types of almonds and pure mountain water. It is distinguished by its complex, fruity flavor profile.
- Alcohol Content: 24% ABV
- Price Range: About $25 to $35 for a 750ml bottle.
6. Hiram Walker Amaretto: This brand offers a budget-friendly option that still delivers on the sweet, almond flavor that Amaretto is known for, making it a popular choice for mixed drinks.
- Alcohol Content: Around 28% ABV, though this may vary slightly by market.
- Price Range: Generally $10 to $15 for a 750ml bottle, making it one of the cheaper amaretto.
7. Di Amore Amaretto: Di Amore brand provides a rich almond flavor with a hint of apricot. It’s another affordable amaretto option.
- Alcohol Content: Approximately 21% to 28% ABV, as the alcohol content may vary by country.
- Price Range: Around $10 to $20 for a 750ml bottle.
Some brands also come up with non-alcoholic amaretto, such as:
8. REBELS 0.0% Sweet Amaretti gives you the sweet taste of marzipan with hints of almonds, vanilla, and cherry. It has a creamy and nutty flavor with a slightly bitter and spicy finish.
9. Lyre’s Amaretti is a great choice for a non-alcoholic option with a classic almond flavor, especially for mocktails.
10. Beckett’s Non-Alcoholic Amaretto is made of natural flavors, botanicals, and terpenes. Each serving contains only 10 calories and 2 grams of sugar, making it a great low-calorie choice. Plus, it’s gluten-free.
