Amaretto liqueur - recipes at home, history of the drink, rules for selection and use (130 photos and videos)

What are they made from?

Amaretto is a liqueur made from almond or apricot kernels. Sometimes both types of nuts are present. The specific bitter taste is explained by the presence of amygdalin in nuts. Depending on the type of fruit, sweet or bitter, the amount of the substance is different. The breakdown product of amygdalin, benzaldehyde, gives the drink a universally recognizable almond-cherry aroma. The most famous variety of liqueur is Amaretto Disaronno. The producers of the drink claim that this alcohol is made according to ancient recipes, one of the ingredients is apricot kernels.

Amaretto composition and taste

The main characters of the drink are sweet and bitter almonds, grape syrup, alcohol, almost always vanilla and spicy additives. Also, some varieties may contain wormwood tincture or orange juice, but manufacturers do not give out the exact proportions and secret ingredients; the original recipe for Amaretto was also kept strictly secret for a long time.

Hence the difference in the tastes of each individual type of liqueur, but they all have one thing in common - a slight bitterness, which is imparted by the amygdalin contained in almonds and apricot kernels. To fully experience this taste, you need to let the aftertaste unfold and not rush to take the next sip.

History of creation

It is difficult to say today whether the history of the appearance of alcohol is true, but according to the producers of the Disaronno Originale brand, the age of the drink is almost 500 years. The Renaissance gave the world not only unique works of art, but also a wonderful drink - amaretto liqueur, which is also associated with painting. The history of the creation of this wonderful liqueur is very interesting.

Bernardino Luini, artist, painted a fresco of the Madonna in Saronno. The master chose a charming innkeeper girl as the model, who did not have the opportunity to thank the artist with money. The beauty presented the master with a decanter of an interesting drink of unusual amber color, with the smell and taste of almonds. The artist liked this gift.

The peculiarity of the gift was that the aftertaste had a pleasant bitterness. This bitterness gave a special piquancy to the liqueur. This is how the name “slightly writhes” or “amaretto” stuck to it. The first part of the word, "amaro", is very similar to "amore" (love), which brings to mind romantic associations. The girl kept the composition of the drink a secret, which was passed down from generation to generation.

How to choose an original product

When going for Amaretto, you need to pay attention to:

• A bottle. The original liqueur is sold in classic square bottles.
• Design quality. The labels on the liquor bottle should be symmetrically positioned and free of traces of glue and smeared paint. The container should also be free of chips, cracks and other deformations.
• Pleasant viscosity. High-quality Amaretto should have a fairly thick consistency. To check whether the selected product meets this point, turn the bottle over and observe how quickly the liquid spreads along the walls.

Varieties

Today, the most popular liqueurs are Amaretto Disaronno and Amaretto Lazzaroni. The first drink is more bitter, the second is sweeter. The following brands of alcohol are also produced:

• Luxardo di Saschira;
• DeKuyper;
• Bols Amaretto;
• Hiram Walker;
• Phillips;
• San Marco;
• Di Amore Barton/Sazerac;
• San Giorgio;
• Di Piza;
• Paganini;
• Grande Genova;
• Di Verona;
• Del Castele;
• Florence.

Amaretto di Saronno Originale is now called simply - Disaronno Originale. This name was assigned to the drink in 2001, which made the liqueur more recognizable. Since 1990, the brand has been produced on an industrial scale and, according to manufacturers, the recipe has not changed since 1525: extracts of 17 herbs, alcohol, burnt sugar, apricot oil.

The production of Disaronno amaretto is located in Saronno, the city where this amazing drink began its history. The peculiarity of the alcohol lies in the characteristic sweetish-bitter taste of almonds, although the liquid does not contain nuts. The strength of the liqueur is 28 degrees. In addition to the classic taste, the alcohol is known for its original bottle, which was designed by a master from Murano. The bottle has a rectangular shape and a massive square cap.

Amaretto Lazzaroni is a liqueur produced by Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli. The drink is believed to be one of a kind. According to the producers, Lazzaroni is infused with almonds, which gives it a special apricot-almond taste and pleasant sweetness. The history of the drink began in the 18th century (1718), but began to be produced en masse in 1851. The secret of the alcohol is strictly guarded by the Lazzaroni family. Today this almond liqueur is sold all over the world.

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What types of this drink are there?

When you go to the nearest liquor store for a bottle of original liqueur, be prepared to encounter variety . There are many types of amaretto on the market today, each with its own unique tasting characteristics. The most popular varieties of liqueur in this class include:

• DiSaronno Amaretto Originale . The oldest representative of the line. It is believed that this particular recipe was invented in 1525. Its taste characteristics are dominated by a distinct trail of marzipan, and the aroma is intertwined with vanilla, aromatic herbs, and bitter and sweet almonds.

• Amaretto 1851 . This is a refined 24-proof alcohol that is often called a “liquid cookie.” It is considered the standard for additives to ice cream and other desserts.

• Amaretto Di Amore . Often called the “drink of passion.” Its neat aroma contains hints of anise, lemon zest and elderberry. In gastronomic ambitions, a slight taste of anise can be traced, slightly reminiscent of sambuca.

• Amaretto Florence . The viscous and colorful taste of the product goes well with its rich fruity aroma. The product was invented in the heart of Florence, which is appropriately reflected in its name.

• Amaretto Liqueur Giffard . One of the richest subspecies of the popular liqueur. Its gastronomic characteristics are dominated by a pronounced caramel flavor, and its aromatic properties include marzipan and almonds.

How to drink amaretto correctly

Many almond drink connoisseurs recommend drinking it in its pure form. Served in small special glasses. According to the canon, glasses should be drop-shaped and hold 30-60 ml of liquid. Modern amaretto glasses have a volume of 60-100 ml. The liqueur is not drunk immediately, in one gulp; for maximum sensation of taste and aroma, you need to drink it in small sips.

It is permissible to add ice to dilute the liqueur, but this serving is not very common, because cold is not able to fully reveal the taste of the drink. Amaretto liqueur is usually served after main courses; it goes well with fruit, any dessert, especially chocolate, cake, cookies, ice cream, biscuits, creams, dried fruits, and soufflé. Gourmets snack on liqueur and cheese.

What to drink with

Those who don’t particularly like pure alcoholic drinks can mix them with others. The results are very tasty cocktails. Options for combining almond liqueur with others are as follows:

• juices: orange, grape, cherry, proportion 1:1;
• carbonated drinks: tonics, cola;
• refreshing mixes, especially with lemon;
• hot chocolate;
• ice cream;
• tea;
• coffee (this mixture is especially popular);
• cocoa;
• other alcohol: vermouth, whiskey, vodka, etc.

What do you eat with Amaretto?

If you have some kind of holiday, you have called a group of friends, naturally, it will not get by with just liqueur.

How to snack on Amaretto:

• Therefore, the ideal addition would be chocolate, fruits, citrus fruits, hot pastries, and ice cream. Never refrigerate liqueur.
• Although some fans prefer to add a few ice cubes to it.

To the table

Homemade recipe

Having an idea about the composition of the liqueur and the methods of combination, you can try to prepare an almond drink yourself. If noble bitterness is preferred, bitter almonds are used. If you like a softer alcohol, the ingredients are replaced with sweeter ones. To make the color of the liqueur richer, add brown rather than white sugar. Only purified and bottled water is used. Added spices: apricot kernels, dried cherries, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pepper.

Dessert liqueur Amaretto: reviews

Below you can read reviews from consumers who purchase or prepare their own Amaretto liqueur.

Dessert liqueur Amaretto, reviews:

Valentina. I really like a variety of dessert wines and liqueurs, but I don’t have much money, so I buy alcohol in an affordable price segment. Not long ago I tried the Villa Cardea Amaretto liqueur. I had to pay 1,300 rubles for a bottle. The taste is very rich, I liked that it contains chocolate and spices. If you drink it on its own, it is very cloying, and after two glasses you get tired of it. Therefore, I advise you to combine it with citrus fruits and juices with a mild taste. Personally, I really liked the combination of liqueur and apple juice. I recommend this liqueur to everyone, the price turned out to be quite affordable, and the taste is beyond praise.

Oksana . I generally don’t believe in the quality of alcohol sold in stores, so I make it myself. Personally, I really like the apricot kernel tincture. Of course, you can’t call this a full-fledged Amaretto liqueur, but the taste is similar and is in no way inferior to store-bought brands. This is not the first year I’ve been preparing it, putting it on the table when guests arrive. I combine it with salty cheese and sliced ​​fruit. This is a great drink for female company. Men don’t really like it because of its cloying taste, so they prefer to drink strong alcoholic drinks.

Valery. I practically don’t drink, only sometimes, to maintain company, I can sip a little delicious wine or liqueur. I was surprised by the Amaretto disaronno drink. I bought it for a holiday and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. Very unusual, rich, goes well with light snacks, cheese and fruit. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go well with meat, so I bought red semi-dry wine.

Drink
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Tasters believe that adding ice muffles the rich taste and does not allow you to enjoy the bitter aftertaste.

Homemade Italian almond drink

• Time: 60 minutes.
• Number of servings: 5 persons.
• Calorie content of the dish: 280 kcal.
• Purpose: for dessert.
• Cuisine: Italian.
• Difficulty: medium.

Homemade liqueur is slightly different from store-bought, but very close in taste. It is important to adhere to the cooking sequence. After it has cooled, the liquid must be strained through a fine strainer, but it is better to use gauze folded in several layers. In addition to these ingredients, add vanillin (to taste). In real amaretto, vanilla is added.

Ingredients:

• vodka – 0.5 l;
• sugar – 150 g;
• ground cinnamon – 1 pinch;
• cloves – 2 buds;
• almond extract;
• instant coffee – 0.5 tsp;
• allspice – 4-5 peas;
• almonds (you can mix them equally with apricot kernels) – 100 g;
• vanillin or vanilla sugar – 10 g;
• water for syrup – 150 g.

Cooking method:

1. Prepare sugar syrup: boil water with sugar, simmer for 2 minutes, cool and strain.
2. Heat spices in a frying pan: cloves, pepper, coffee, nuts. Pour into a bottle.
3. Mix the resulting syrup with vodka and almond extract.
4. Pour the solution into the container with spices.
5. Add cinnamon.
6. Cool, add instant coffee, stir.
7. Close the container with a stopper and leave for 30 days. Shake the solution 2-3 times weekly.
8. When the preparation is infused, strain.
9. Store closed in a cool place.

Cocktails with amaretto at home

You can make your own cocktails with amaretto at home. Here are some recipes:

1. "Flirting." Mix 20 ml of liqueur and orange juice with ice in a shaker. Pour into a glass and dilute with dry champagne. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry.
2. "Hot Gold" Mix 150 ml orange juice, 40-50 ml amaretto. Add juice squeezed from a quarter of a lime. Heat everything, but do not boil. Serve in a cup garnished with an orange slice.
3. "Rosé with cherry." Throw an ice cube into a glass, pour 10 ml of liqueur, 50 ml of rose vermouth, 150 ml of cherry juice. Stir and you can decorate with cherries.

Use in the kitchen

The use of Amaretto liqueur in the kitchen is very common. Cocktails are often prepared with the addition of this alcoholic drink, all because it saturates them with the tart taste and wonderful smell of bitter almonds. Most often, bartenders use this liqueur to prepare “Hot Gold” and “Romeo and Juliet” cocktails.

In addition, liqueur can also be added to desserts, baked goods, ice cream and fruit salads. The liqueur allows you to perfectly soak the cakes and serves as an excellent component for the cream. You can easily make any dessert at home with the addition of this liqueur, for example, Semifreddo Amaretto. You can also add it to macaroons, cheesecake or biscotti. The highlight of an evening with your loved one can be a strawberry dessert with Amaretto.

Liquor price

There are different types of amaretto liqueur available on the market. Prices for Italian drinks in Moscow vary from 1000 to 3000 rubles:

Amaretto liqueur can be purchased in the online store. It is possible to preview the catalog in advance. Once the choice is made, you can order through the shopping cart on the store’s website. The purchase is delivered in any convenient way, or you can pick it up yourself. Before the holidays, there are often promotions, then liquor will be inexpensive.

Price in Russia and Italy

In Russia it is possible to find almost all well-known brands that produce amaretto. The most expensive purchase will be Disaronno Originale, its price exceeds 2000 rubles for 700 ml. The approximate cost of 700 ml of drink from other reputable companies will be:

• Lazzaroni Amaretto 900 rub.
• Luxardo 1200-1300 rub.
• Dutch Bols and De Kuyper 1300-1400 rub.

Russian versions of amaretto can be purchased for up to 400 rubles per 500 ml. In Italy, it is possible to purchase Disaronno Originale at a price not exceeding 20 Euros per 700 ml. A drink from the Lazzaroni family will cost about 11 Euros per 750 ml.

Now you know everything so as not to make a mistake when choosing high-quality amaretto. Live soberly, love intoxicatingly, and travel wisely. Fedor Uglov once said: “Tell people the truth about alcohol, and they will stop drinking.” To paraphrase a Soviet surgeon, we retort: ​​“Tell people the truth about Italian alcohol, and they will start drinking amaretto!” But remember, alcoholic drinks are not a way to turn into an animal, it is an opportunity to enhance the taste of dishes and have a good time.