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Amaretto is complicated. It’s an almond-flavored liqueur, but that doesn’t always mean it contains almonds. Amaretto’s history is equally conflicted, as different families in Italy lay claim to its origin story.

 

Even its reputation is complex. Some disparage amaretto, thanks to its presence in some overly sweet, unsophisticated cocktails. But supporters argue that it’s an enjoyable liqueur that plays well in mixed drinks and deserves more respect.

 

What Exactly is Amaretto?

 

Amaretto is a sweetened distilled spirit. It gets its character from steeped almonds, apricot pits (which have a distinct almond flavor), peach stones, or a mix of the three. Most producers are secretive about their recipes. But traditionally, the ingredients are steeped for anywhere between a week to several months. Then it’s sweetened with caramelized sugar.

 

In 1851, a distiller in Saronno, Italy, created an infusion of amaretto cookies combined with an alcohol distilled from molasses and a hint of caramel, and voilà: amaretto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When was Amaretto First Believed to be Made?

 

Simona Bianco explains there was a woman who was chosen by a student of Leonardo da Vinci to pose “as a model for the Holy Mother portrait for the Saronno Church. The lady, to thank the painter, prepared for him a special almond-based liqueur. This puts amaretto on the map back in 1525.”

 

What Does Amaretto Taste Like?

 

Considering its almond flavor and addition of burnt or caramelized sugar, amaretto is often assumed to be sweet. But its name means “a little bitter” in Italian.

 

Amaretto is much sweeter than Italy’s bitter amaro, but it retains enough bitterness to keep it from being cloying. Depending on the brand, you might also get hints of spices or botanicals.

 

How to Drink Amaretto

 

1. Drink Amaretto Straight

 

This is a great way to get to know the liqueur. Plus, it’s a nice way to end dinner.

 

Ice won’t dilute a good amaretto’s flavor, but it will lighten its consistency a bit. A quick squeeze of lemon could also brighten the cordial if you prefer less sweetness.

 

2. Drink Amaretto in Coffee

 

Amaretto is a nice sweetener for your coffee after dinner. Just add some amaretto to your cup, fill with coffee and top with whipped cream.

 

For proportions, try 1½ ounces of amaretto for every eight ounces of coffee.

 

3. Make an Amaretto Sour

 

There are plenty of ways to try amaretto, depending on your cocktail preferences.

 

Amaretto is very versatile. The vast cocktail opportunities within the category allow a wide variety…from sour to sweet, refreshing and warming.

 

The most famous drink is the Amaretto Sour. It debuted in the 1970s, a simple combination of amaretto and sour mix. Jeffrey Morgenthaler, an award-winning drinks author and bartender, is credited with elevating the Amaretto Sour. One of the first cocktails he started drinking at bars in the 1990s, it became considered cringeworthy in the early 2010s, Morgenthaler decided to give the Amaretto Sour an upgrade.

 

“An Amaretto Sour is a really delicious drink, so why wouldn’t you just try to make it delicious?” says Morgenthaler. “We have the honor of knowing so much more about making good cocktails. Why say [that] some cocktails are bad and some good. Why not make all of them?”

 

Morgenthaler landed on fresh lemon juice instead of sour mix, but the amaretto wasn’t strong enough. He realized more alcohol was necessary. He found the solution in cask-strength Bourbon.

 

Today, you can find Amaretto Sours at all kinds of bars.

 

Morgenthaler’s Amaretto Sour

 

  • 1½ ounces amaretto
  • ¾ ounce cask-proof Bourbon
  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rich simple syrup
  • ½ ounce fresh egg white, beaten
  • Lemon peel, for garnish
  • Brandied cherry, for garnish

 

Combine all ingredients except garnish in a cocktail shaker and shake. Add ice and shake again well. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon peel and brandied cherry.