Amaretto and Amaretto Sour: The Italian Liqueur and Its Best Drinks
Amaretto is more than just a sweet liqueur; it's an Italian classic with a rich history and a distinctive almond flavor that has conquered the world. But what exactly is Amaretto, and how can you use it to make the most popular drinks? Here you'll find the answer and the recipe for the iconic Amaretto Sour.
What is Amaretto?
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur with a bittersweet almond flavor, typically made from apricot kernels, almonds, or a mixture of both. The name comes from the Italian word "amaro", meaning "bitter," a reference to the slightly bitter aftertaste that balances the liqueur's sweet notes.
- Origin: Amaretto has roots in Saronno, Lombardy, where, according to legend, it was created in 1525.
- Alcohol percentage: Typically 24–28%, depending on the producer.
- Flavor profile: Sweet, marzipan-like, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a slight bitterness.
Amaretto can be enjoyed neat, over ice, with ice cream, in coffee, as a Caffè Amaretto, or as an ingredient in delicious drinks and cocktails.
You are probably familiar with Disaronno Amaretto, which is available in supermarkets. At Rombo, we want to offer you both something "cheaper and just as good" and something "much better." That's why we carry:
The equally good but cheaper
The better and only slightly more expensive
Villa Cardea Amaretto Liqueur
Amaretto di Saschira Luxardo Almond Liqueur
Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is one of the most beloved sour drinks and a classic cocktail. It combines Amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or chickpea water for a vegan version) to create a creamy, balanced drink with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Recipe: Classic Amaretto Sour
Glass: Lowball glass
Garnish: Lemon peel, maraschino cherry
Ingredients
Amaretto (e.g. Villa Cardea Amaretto) - 4.5–5 cl.
Bourbon (e.g. Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey) - 2 cl.
Fresh lemon juice - 3-4 cl.
Sugar syrup (e.g. Giffard sugar syrup) - 2 cl.
Egg white (or Giffard Egg White Syrup) - 2 cl.
Ice - For serving
Method
1. Add Amaretto, Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white to a shaker. Shake without ice for 15 seconds (dry shake).
2. Add ice and shake again until the shaker is cold.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with lemon peel and maraschino cherries.
Amaretto Sour is a sour drink that stands out with its smooth, nutty flavor, making it accessible even to those who typically don't enjoy spirit-based cocktails.
Variations and tips
- Bitters: It's not uncommon to add a few drops of Angostura Aromatic Bitters, but you can create your own version of the drink with Angostura Orange or Cacao Bitters.
- Amaretto Sour without bourbon: The classic recipe includes 2 cl of bourbon, but you can omit it for a pure Amaretto version with a milder taste.
- Amaretto drink: Try using Amaretto di Saschira from Luxardo, at a full 28% ABV to get a bit more power in your almond liqueur.
- Sour drinks: Sour drinks like Amaretto Sour and Whiskey Sour share many similarities, but Amaretto Sour is sweeter and more dessert-like. Try Rombo’s Whiskey Sour Cocktail Pack.
- Variations: Try adding one of Giffard's many fruit and berry syrups, e.g., Raspberry syrup, Mango syrup or Blackcurrant liqueur to give your Amaretto Sour a personal twist.
Products
Amaretto di Saschira Luxardo Almond Liqueur
Villa Cardea Amaretto Liqueur
Giffard Egg White Syrup
Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries
Café Amaretto
Café Amaretto is a warm, spicy Italian liqueur coffee that combines the sweet taste of Amaretto with the rich aroma of strong coffee. Perfect as an after-dinner drink or a cozy break.
Recipe: Classic Café Amaretto
Glass: Heat-resistant glass (e.g., Irish coffee glass)
Garnish: Whipped cream, cinnamon
Ingredients
Strong coffee (or espresso + hot water) - 12 - 18 cl.
Amaretto (e.g. Villa Cardea Amaretto) - 3 - 4½ cl.
Optional Brandy (e.g. Torres 10 Reserva Imperial Spanish Brandy) - 1½ - 3 cl.
Whipped cream - 2 - 3 tbsp.
Cinnamon (for sprinkling) - To taste
Method
- Pour Amaretto into the preheated glass.
- Add Brandy if desired.
- Add the strong, hot coffee and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth.
Products
Torres 10 Imperial Reserve Spanish Brandy
Free shipping from DKK 500
Click 'n Collect
