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Amaretto di Saronno

Amaretto di Saronno

One of Italy's most famous liqueurs, made with apricot kernels and almonds.

Photograph · Amaretto di Saronno

The story

What you're tasting

One of Italy's most famous liqueurs, made with apricot kernels and almonds. Sweet almond character. Enjoyed neat, in cocktails, or used in desserts. Iconic Italian almond liqueur with a romantic origin story, representing Lombardy's liqueur-making excellence. Amaretto di Saronno embodies Italy's almond liqueur tradition, with its sweet almond character and romantic heritage making it one of the country's most internationally recognized liqueurs.

Amaretto di Saronno was created in 1525 in Saronno, Lombardy, according to legend, when a young widow created a liqueur for a visiting artist as a token of gratitude. The romantic origin story has become part of the liqueur's heritage, with the recipe being passed down through generations. The liqueur became one of Italy's most famous and internationally recognized liqueurs, with its sweet almond character and distinctive flavor making it a benchmark for Italian almond liqueurs. Amaretto di Saronno became popular worldwide, with its sweet, nutty character making it appealing in cocktails, desserts, and as a digestif. Today, Amaretto di Saronno remains one of Italy's most recognized liqueurs, with its sweet almond character and romantic heritage making it a symbol of Italian liqueur-making excellence.

Amaretto di Saronno bottle

Know it

Before you buy

Say it
ah-mah-REH-toh dee sah-ROHN-noh
Tasting
Sweet almond with rich, nutty character. The profile is dominated by apricot kernels and almonds, with their distinctive sweet, nutty notes providing the liqueur's character. The sweetness is prominent, balanced by the almonds' natural richness. The finish is smooth and lingering, with sweet almond notes. The character is immediately recognizable—sweet, nutty, and quintessentially Italian Amaretto.
How to buy
Look for the authentic Amaretto di Saronno brand from Lombardy. Verify producer authenticity and check for proper labeling. Check the ABV (28%) and production methods. Sample to ensure sweet, rich almond character.
Spot the fakes
Verify producer authenticity and check for proper labeling. Authentic Amaretto di Saronno is produced in Saronno, Lombardy, using a secret recipe with apricot kernels and almonds. Beware of imitations or improperly labeled products. Authentic Amaretto di Saronno should have sweet, rich almond character with no artificial flavors.
Keep it
Unopened: Best consumed within 3-5 years. After opening: 2-3 years if properly sealed.

The making

How it's made

Amaretto di Saronno production begins with selecting apricot kernels and almonds, which are macerated in neutral spirit to extract their distinctive almond flavor. The maceration process is crucial, as it determines the intensity and purity of the almond character. The liquid is then filtered and sweetened with sugar syrup, creating a smooth, sweet liqueur. The production process uses a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations, with careful attention to the balance between almond flavor and sweetness. The final product is typically bottled at 28% ABV, with the amber color and sweet almond character reflecting its traditional production. The quality of the apricot kernels and almonds is paramount, with high-quality ingredients providing the distinctive sweet, nutty character that defines Amaretto di Saronno.

Amaretto di Saronno holds a central place in Italian liqueur culture, representing one of Italy's most famous and internationally recognized liqueurs and Lombardy's contribution to Italian liqueur-making excellence. The liqueur is enjoyed worldwide as a digestif, in cocktails, and in desserts, where it serves as a sweet, nutty addition. The romantic origin story has become part of the liqueur's heritage, with the legend of the young widow and the visiting artist adding to its appeal. Amaretto di Saronno is often featured in celebrations and hospitality, where it serves as both a drink and a symbol of Italian liqueur-making excellence. The liqueur is enjoyed by those seeking an authentic Italian Amaretto experience, with its sweet almond character and romantic heritage making it one of Italy's most beloved liqueurs.

Bottles of amari and Chianti on a bar shelf

In the kitchen

Recipes that call for it

  1. RecipeShaken Espresso with Amaretto