The 7 Best Amaretti to Drink in 2022 (2024)

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Go beyond Amaretto Sours.

By

Vicki Denig

The 7 Best Amaretti to Drink in 2022 (1)

Vicki Denig

Vicki Denig is a wine and travel writer and content creator. She has a background as a wine buyer and consultant.

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Updated 01/25/21

What’s sweet, amber-hued, and loaded with flavors of marzipan, burnt sugar and almonds? That’s right, we’re talking about amaretto, the Italian, almond-flavored liqueur, equally beloved and misunderstood by many. Long underappreciated, amaretto provides the perfect pour for sweet, post-dinner digestivo moments amongst friends and family. Though what exactly is amaretto?

Amaretto, which means "a little bitter" in Italian, is an almond-flavored liqueur—that, contrary to popular belief, is most often not produced from actual almonds. Originally produced in Saronno, Italy, this sweet sipper once formerly made with bitter almonds now is generally produced with essences of apricot stones, peach and cherry stones to source its flavoring.“The almond taste typical of amaretto is produced by essential oils contained in various fruit stones,” explains Matteo Luxardo, export director (and sixth-generation) at Luxardo. (Note: These stones/pits naturally contain the compound benzaldehyde, known for its similar flavor.)

Popular in co*cktail creations such as the Amaretto Sour and Italian Coffee, amaretto is equally delicious sipped neat, or served over ice as a post-dinner pour. Not sure where to start? We’ve chosen our favorite bottles for nearly every situation you’ll need. So grab some biscotti and get ready for some almond-flavored deliciousness.Here are the best amaretti to drink right now.

This OG Italian liqueur is as good as it gets. Produced in Saronno in the Lombardy region in Northern Italy, this 56-proof almond-flavored liqueur has used the same "secret formula" since 1535. As Disaronno states, the liqueur is produced with apricot pits oil, alcohol, burnt sugar and "pure essence" from 17 herbs and fruits.

Sweet, nutty flavors of dried fruits, marzipan, and caramelized sugar harmoniously collide on the palate. Disaronno’s distinct almond flavorand dried fruits come to life when added to the classic Amaretto Sour. Or simply pour over rocks and enjoy.

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Sometimes the night simply calls for a pour of something inexpensive—enter Amaretto di Amore. This mahogany-hued liqueur is loaded with flavors of burnt caramel and sugared almonds, which lead to a thick and intense finish, without being overly sweet. Sip solo, pour on the rocks or mix in a co*cktail. For the price, you can’t go wrong.

Produced at the Distillerie Franciacorta in Gussago (Brescia), Italy, Gozio Amaretto has been crafted using the same recipe and method since 1901. This all-natural amaretto is loaded with flavors of canned peaches, almonds and brown sugar. No artificial extracts or flavors are added. For a taste of Italian amaretto in one of its finest forms, look no further than this bottle.

Luxardo recommends sipping Amaretto solo in front of a fireplace on a cold winter day or drizzling the spirit over vanilla gelato for a seriously sweet dessert.

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Speaking of dessert...this unctuous, full-bodied amaretto packs a serious marzipan punch. Produced from 100% macerated and infused Sicilian almonds (estate-grown), this delicious liqueur bursts with flavors of sweet brown sugar, marzipan and dried cherries. For a succulently sweet finish to a long meal, sip a pour of this neat and mentally transport yourself to the sunny shores of southern Italy.

“Personally, I think a bit of amaretto can be the perfect follow-up to a grilled lamb dish, or when a meal includes things like turmeric, mahlab, jasmine, cardamom, and fenugreek,” says Brooklyn-based bartender and bar consultant Gates Otsuji, noting that light sips of amaretto counterintuitively draw out the finish of said meals, readying the palate for a lighter dessert.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—co*cktail ingredients definitely shouldn’t break the bank, though quality should never be sacrificed. For delicious concoctions crafted at home, Hiram Walker Amaretto is where it’s at. This affordable and easy-to-find liqueur is loaded with flavors of almond, caramel and sweet spice. Simply mix into your favorite co*cktail recipe or add a splash to your coffee for an elevated post-dinner burst of energy.

“Amaretto has a natural flavor pairing with cherries and mixes well with tart, round flavors,” explains Otsuji. “It adds a grounding element to co*cktails that feature tropical juices, and can counterbalance delicate floral notes without drowning them out.”

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Amaretto and special occasions go hand in hand. This premium, almond-flavored liqueur from Luxardo is perfect for celebrating in style. Produced from the pits of cherries, peaches, and apricots, this marzipan-flavored liqueur oozes with flavors of sugared almonds, vanilla, and baking spice. Sip neat or serve over ice.

“We do not use essential oils from almonds to prevent any potential allergy issues,” explains Luxardo, stating that the company uses vanilla bean infusions to sweeten the taste (and contrast the pungent almond flavoring) instead. “A great amaretto is a product that does not have only the bitter almond taste but something else that gives a pleasant velvety aftertaste—in Luxardo’s case, vanilla.”

This delicious amaretto was first produced in 1851 by Palol and Davide Lazzaroni in Saronno (Lombardy), Italy. The unique method used to produce this exquisite liqueur involves infusing Amaretti di Saronno cookies rather than fruit/herb essence. Notes of sweet almonds, grilled nuts, and biscotti ooze from the liqueur’s pleasantly sweet palate. Authentic, one-of-a-kind, and complete with beautiful packaging – this bottle’s perfect for the Italian booze lover in your life.

“Where some brands can be heavy-handed, I find Lazzaroni Amaretto to be lighter on the palate, with a more pronounced citrus note,” says Otsuji. “From a mixology standpoint, it's quite flexible—it works in warm beverages, the full range of sours, and spirituous co*cktails to equal effect.”

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Why TrustLiquor.com?

Vicki Denigis a wine and travel journalist based between New York and Paris. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators. Her work regularly appears onLiquor.com, Wine-Searcher, VinePair and more. Denig is also the Content Manager at Volcanic Selections, Paris Wine Company, Vin Fraîche, and more.

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The 7 Best Amaretti to Drink in 2022 (2024)

FAQs

The 7 Best Amaretti to Drink in 2022? ›

There are hundreds of brands of amaretto made in Italy and other countries but DiSaronno, which is still family-owned and made in Saronno, remains the best-selling brand of amaretto. Amaretto is a versatile co*cktail ingredient and we have over 100 amaretto co*cktail recipes here on Difford's Guide.

What is considered the best amaretto? ›

There are hundreds of brands of amaretto made in Italy and other countries but DiSaronno, which is still family-owned and made in Saronno, remains the best-selling brand of amaretto. Amaretto is a versatile co*cktail ingredient and we have over 100 amaretto co*cktail recipes here on Difford's Guide.

When should I drink amaretto? ›

Amaretto is typically served as a dessert drink. It can be enjoyed as a cordial over ice, or mixed with carbonated drinks for a longer beverage. The almond liqueur pairs well with coffee and is often used in creamy co*cktails or as a way to sweeten up a martini.

What's the difference between amaretto and amaretti? ›

Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavoured liqueur commonly used in co*cktails or in baking and desserts. Its flavour is derived from either almond pits, apricot pits, or both. On the other hand, Amaretti are traditional Italian almond cookies, made from almond flour, apricots kernels, sugar, and egg whites.

What's a good mixer for amaretto? ›

Popularly, Amaretto liqueur is used in basic lowball co*cktails with brandy, rum, vodka, and whiskey. It's frequently used in sweet desserts and warm and cold drinks and goes well with coffee.

Is it OK to drink amaretto straight? ›

You can drink amaretto straight by itself, or mix it with scotch, bourbon, rum, and other alcoholic drinks. Amaretto also mixes well with non-alcoholic drinks, like coffee, hot chocolate, and ginger beer. To drink amaretto straight, pour it over ice. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra flavor.

What is a true amaretto? ›

Depending on the brand, it may be made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or almonds, all of which are natural sources of the benzaldehyde that provides the almond-like flavour of the liqueur. It generally contains 21 to 28 percent alcohol by volume. Bottles of amaretto liqueur.

Should amaretto be refrigerated? ›

It is recommended that cream liqueurs be stored in a cool place, but refrigeration is not necessary. Manufacturers of cream liqueurs point to the effective preservative qualities of alcohol as the reason that refrigeration is not required.

Why is amaretto so good? ›

Amaretto is a renowned almond-flavoured Italian liqueur with a history as rich and textured as its distinctive taste. Originating in the 16th century, the sweet, slightly bitter drink is derived from natural flavourings like almonds and apricot pits, enhanced with pure alcohol and sweeteners.

Which is best, amaretto or Disaronno? ›

Disaronno is produced in Serono, in the Lombardy region and while there are many Amaretto's in the country, Dissaronno has become the global leader for the category and a clear symbol of Italian drinking culture.

What is amaretto called now? ›

The product was called Amaretto di Saronno (Amaretto from Saronno) until 2001, when it was rebranded as "Disaronno Originale" for marketing reasons. Disaronno can be served neat as a cordial, on the rocks, or as part of a co*cktail mixed with other alcoholic beverages, cola, ginger ale, or fruit juice.

Is amaretto a sipping liquor? ›

Amaretto can range in terms of its alcohol content, but like many liqueurs, it is often between 20-28% alcohol by volume, making it an easy sipper when served neat or on the rocks.

Is amaretto good with Dr Pepper? ›

Despite the name, Dr. Pepper and its Texas-born, 23-flavor recipe is not one of the drink's ingredients. But the fiery mix of sweet amaretto liqueur, bubbly beer and overproof rum simulate the iconic soft drink remarkably well.

What is the best amaretto made with almonds? ›

Gozio Amaretto

“The symbol of Italian quality”, Gozio is produced at the Distillerie Franciacorta in Gussago, using the same old unique process since 1901. It is made by infusing the bitter almonds from four continents for at least sixty days to produce one of the best amaretto with all-natural aromas and flavor.

What soda is good with amaretto? ›

Pepsi mixed with amaretto and a splash of lemon creates a light tasting co*cktail. To experience the full almond taste of amaretto, mixing it with club soda gives it refreshing carbonation without masking the flavor of the liqueur.

Is there a difference between amaretto and disaronno? ›

Disaronno is a brand of Amaretto, a liqueur made from Italian amber and almond flavours. In conclusion, the primary distinction between Amaretto and Disaronno is their almond content. Disaronno does not contain almonds despite its almond flavour.

What is the best amaretto for amaretto sour? ›

Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira Liqueur

Luxardo Amaretto uses the pits of cherries, peaches, and apricots to replicate the flavors of toasted almond and marzipan. This is a particularly excellent option for making an amaretto sour, as the depth and sweetness pair perfectly with the lemon juice and egg white.

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