Amaretto: what is it, who created it, and what can you do with it?

What Is It?

Amaretto is a sweet yet herbaceous liqueur originally from Italy. The name Amaretto means a little bitter. Amaretto can be made with apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or sweet almonds. All these ingredients have one thing in common they are a natural source of benzaldehyde which imparts the almond flavor. Now before you panic, all the cyanide is removed during the distillation process.

Who Created It?

The history of Amaretto goes back 498 years. The legend goes a little something like this. In 1525, s church in Saronno, Italy commissioned Bernardino Luini to paint its sanctuary. Luini was a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci. He needed a model to inspire his painting of the Madonna. He found inspiration in a young, widowed innkeeper. She wanted to express her gratitude for such an honor, but her humble roots did not allow for extravagance. So, she steeped apricot kernels in brandy and Amaretto was born.

What Can You Do With It?

Amaretto is very versatile in the kitchen! It can be used in everything from Tiramisu to savory chicken dishes. You can add it to waffle batter or whipped cream. It is also often added to almondine sauce for fish or veggies.

Amaretto is also very versatile in the cocktail world. It can be drunk straight or added to coffee. It is also the main ingredient in several cocktails.

Nutcracker Martini

2ounces Amaretto

2ounces coffee liqueur

2ounces Irish cream

2ounces Vodka

Ice

Add ice and ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake until cold and strain into a highball glass.