Amaretto is a legendary drink. For several centuries, it has been delighting consumers around the world with its exquisite taste. The technology for producing this liqueur may be similar to that used for other products of this type, but the recipe is unique. Let’s taste Amaretto—what does it taste like and how strong is it? Let’s find out how to drink it properly.
Amaretto liqueur: what kind of drink is it?
Amaretto is an exquisite Italian liqueur with a centuries-old history. It embodies the best alcoholic traditions of the Mediterranean.
The brand that gave the world the recipe for this drink produces a fairly wide range of liqueurs. Each one has a unique flavor and aroma. Every gourmet will find “their” drink. The Amaretto line includes the following names: Originale, Di Saronno, San Giorgio, San Lorenzo, San Marco, Paganini, Grande Genova, Di Piza, Del Castele, Di Verona, Florence.
A distinctive feature of all types of Italian liqueur is its noble hue. The viscous dark brown liquid with red highlights looks great in glasses and shot glasses. The aroma of the drink is a harmonious balance between herbs and almonds. The taste of Amaretto has a pleasant sweetness of spices with a slight hint of juicy fruit.
The history of Amaretto
Italian liqueur began to be produced in 1525 in the Saronno area. The recipe and production technology were patented by the Disaronno family. The name of the brand’s founder is now considered practically synonymous with the word “amaretto.”
Italian liqueur is shrouded in many beautiful legends. According to one of them, the drink is associated with Bernardino Luini, a talented student of Leonardo da Vinci. When he was painting the walls of a local monastery in Saronno, he fell in love with a widow. When it was time to say goodbye to the woman, she gave the artist a delicious liqueur made from apricot kernels. It was this story that served as the basis for the label design. It depicts a beautiful woman with a mysterious smile.
The name of the Italian liqueur comes from “amaro,” which means bitter. However, the modern drink can hardly be called tart. Most likely, the recipe used to include more herbal extracts.
Amaretto manufacturer
The Amaretto line of liqueurs is produced under the Disaronno brand. The drinks are produced by the Italian company Illva Saronno, which specializes in the production of medium-alcohol beverages. This is “real” Amaretto made according to an authentic recipe.
However, other countries are also involved in the production of Amaretto. But since foreign companies do not have access to the classic liqueur technology, their drinks are slightly different from the classic Italian ones. The following companies produce good Amaretto: Lucas Bols, Fruko Schulz, Distillerie Franciacorta, Distilleria Cristiani Luca, and Luxardo.
How and from what is Amaretto made
The exact recipe for the liqueur is kept secret. Only those ingredients that are always included in Amaretto, regardless of the specific variety of the drink, can be identified. These are apricot kernels, almonds, grape spirits, fruit and berry syrups, herbs, and spices.
The basis of Amaretto’s flavor is pre-ground nuts and apricot kernels. The oils released during the infusion process give the finished drink delicate hints of marzipan. But the most important thing in Italian liqueur is the mixture of spices. It is the spices, herbs, and roots that determine the main “tone” of the drink. But which ones exactly is the main secret of the liqueur.
The company that produces Amaretto loves “secrets” in general. The technology used to make the drink is also not disclosed. All that is known is that the companies use a distillation method. That is, first, a water-alcohol infusion with various flavorings is prepared, then it is aged for some time and distilled.
How many degrees are there in Amaretto?
The strength of Italian liqueur depends on its specific type. Usually, the drink contains 21-30% alcohol, which is slightly more than the “average” alcohol. Therefore, those who do not want to get drunk quickly should not drink undiluted liqueur in large quantities.