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Amaretto

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Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with a rich almond flavor, often made with apricot kernels, almonds or both. Disaronno is the most famous bottle, and we also carry Italian amarettos from Lazzaroni, Luxardo and Gozio.

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About Amaretto

The name amaretto comes from the Italian amaro, meaning bitter, a nod to the slightly bitter edge of the almond and apricot kernels behind its flavor. Producers infuse or distill those kernels, then blend in sugar, and many add vanilla, spices or burnt sugar for color. The result ranges from bright and marzipan-like to deep and caramel-rich, depending on the house.

Amaretto is easy to drink on its own over ice, or in a small glass alongside coffee after dinner. The Amaretto Sour is the signature cocktail: two ounces of amaretto, fresh lemon juice, a little simple syrup and an optional egg white, shaken hard and served over ice. The Godfather is simpler still, Scotch and amaretto (anywhere from equal parts to two parts Scotch to one) stirred over a large cube. Swap the Scotch for cognac and you have a French Connection.

Disaronno is the benchmark for the style. Lazzaroni is a historic Saronno name, Luxardo makes its Amaretto di Saschira, and Gozio offers another Italian take with a softer, rounder profile. Villa Massa and Di Amore round out the shelf.

Looking for hazelnut, walnut or other nutty styles? See all amaretto and nut liqueurs.

Amaretto FAQ

What is amaretto?

Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with a pronounced almond flavor, usually made from apricot kernels, almonds or a blend of both, with sugar and sometimes vanilla. It is sipped over ice or mixed into cocktails. Disaronno Amaretto is the best-known brand, and Lazzaroni Amaretto is another traditional Italian choice.

How do you make an Amaretto Sour?

Shake two ounces of amaretto, such as Disaronno Amaretto, with one ounce of fresh lemon juice, a quarter ounce of simple syrup and one egg white if you like a foamy top. Dry shake first without ice, then shake again with ice and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a cherry.

What is the best amaretto for sipping?

For sipping neat or over ice, many people prefer a richer Italian amaretto such as Lazzaroni Amaretto, Luxardo Amaretto Di Saschira or Gozio Amaretto, which tend to be less one-note than mixing brands. Disaronno Amaretto remains a reliable all-rounder for both sipping and cocktails. Taste a couple side by side to find your style.

Does amaretto contain nuts?

It depends on the brand. Some amarettos are made with almonds, while others get their flavor from apricot kernels. The makers of Disaronno Amaretto, for example, say it uses apricot kernel oil and no almonds. Recipes vary, so anyone with a nut allergy should check the producer's own ingredient and allergen information before drinking any amaretto.

About Liquor Barn

Family-owned since 1982, The Liquor Barn has three stores across Chicago's North Shore in Wheeling, Niles, and Vernon Hills. We carry over 17,000 wines, spirits, and beers — and we ship nationwide. Most orders go out same day with tracking.

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