Amaretto Buying Guide: Choosing a Liqueur for Cocktails and Tastings

Amaretto, with its sweet and complex almond notes, is a staple in bars and home liquor cabinets. Whether you want to craft the perfect Amaretto Sour, add a splash to your coffee, or simply savour it as a digestif, choosing the right bottle can be overwhelming given the variety of options. Between traditional Italian amaretto and new interpretations like amaretto cream, it's easy to get lost.

This guide is here to demystify the choices. As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, our mission is to give you the keys to choosing the liqueur that precisely matches your expectations and tastes, without any unnecessary marketing jargon.

Buying Guide?: How to Choose Your Amaretto Liqueur??

Before diving into our selection, here are a few essential criteria to guide your choice.

1. Classic Liqueur or Amaretto Cream??

The first question to ask yourself concerns the liqueur's texture and profile.

• Classic Amaretto?: This is the most well-known version—an amber-coloured, smooth liqueur with an alcohol content typically around 28?%. Its almond flavour is pronounced, often complemented by notes of vanilla, cherry, or spice. It's the quintessential choice for most amaretto-based cocktails.
• Amaretto Cream?: A more recent innovation, this variation incorporates cream (often dairy-based) for a rich and velvety texture. Its alcohol content is lower (around 17?%). It is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in creamy cocktails, much like a coffee or Irish cream liqueur.

2. Origin and Ingredients?: A Mark of Character

Italian amaretto is the historical benchmark. Traditionally, its aroma doesn't always come from almonds themselves but from apricot kernels, which contain benzaldehyde—the same aromatic compound. However, some modern brands, like Adriatico, are innovating by using real almonds. Take a look at the ingredients list: notes of vanilla, cocoa, or even a hint of salt can reveal a more complex and unique flavour profile.

3. Intended Use?: Cocktails, Sipping, or Cooking??

How you plan to use it is an excellent guide.

• For an Amaretto Sour?: A classic amaretto liqueur with a good balance of sweetness and bitterness is recommended so it isn't overpowered by the lemon juice.
• For sipping neat?: A complex version like Disaronno Originale or a rich cream like Disaronno Velvet are excellent options.
• For cooking or baking?: A classic, potent amaretto will bring an intense almond aroma to your tiramisus, cakes, or sauces.

Our Recommended Amaretto Selection

Here are a few bottles we recommend, each with a distinct character to meet different needs.

ADRIATICO Amaretto - The Modern, Natural Touch

What makes it special?: ADRIATICO stands out with its recipe using only natural Italian ingredients, notably almonds from Puglia. These are roasted then distilled, and combined with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, and a touch of sea salt. The brand states that it contains half the sugar of a traditional amaretto, giving it a less syrupy and more floral profile.

Highlights?:

• Made from 100?% Italian almonds.
• Less sweet flavour profile, with saline and floral notes.
• Ideal for putting a new spin on classics like the Amaretto Sour.
• Alcohol content?: 28?%.

Who is it for?? For those seeking a modern, less-sweet alternative to classic amaretto. It's an excellent choice for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate spirits with a distinct story and terroir.

DISARONNO Velvet - The Smoothness of an Amaretto Cream

What makes it special?: Launched in 2020, Disaronno Velvet is the first major innovation from the famous house since its creation in 1525. It combines the iconic aroma of Disaronno Originale with an incredibly smooth and velvety texture from added cream. The result is a decadent liqueur where notes of almond mingle with vanilla and chocolate.

Highlights?:

• Rich and silky texture, very pleasant on the palate.
• Perfect for sipping on the rocks as an aperitif or digestif.
• Adds a creamy, indulgent touch to cocktails.
• Alcohol content?: 17?%.

Who is it for?? For fans of creamy liqueurs who want to experience the taste of amaretto in a smoother, more velvety version. It's an interesting alternative for those who enjoy Baileys or other cream-based liqueurs.

DISARONNO Originale - The Icon of Italian Amaretto

What makes it special?:Disaronno Originale is arguably the most famous amaretto in the world. Its history dates back to 1525, and its recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Recognisable by its square bottle designed by a master glassmaker from Murano, it offers a rich and consistent flavour profile with notes of bitter almond, hazelnut, and caramelised sugar.

Highlights?:

• The global benchmark for almond liqueur, with a historic recipe.
• Extremely versatile?: enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a multitude of amaretto cocktails.
• A rich and complex flavour profile that has stood the test of time.
• Alcohol content?: 28?%.

Who is it for?? For those looking for a reliable choice and a timeless classic. It's the must-have bottle for any bar due to its versatility, whether you're a novice or a connoisseur.

Looking for Other Options??

Our selection highlights distinct profiles to help you make an initial choice. But the world of spirits is vast and full of other gems. If you want to expand your home bar or find the missing ingredient for your next creation, we invite you to browse our full category.

? Discover our range of liqueurs for alcoholic cocktails

Frequently Asked Questions About Amaretto

What is the difference between amaretto and almond liqueur??

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a nuance. Almond liqueur is a general category of almond-flavoured spirits. Amaretto is a specific type of Italian almond liqueur whose flavour historically came not from almonds, but from apricot kernels. Today, some brands use real almonds, but the name "amaretto" (meaning "a little bitter" in Italian) remains associated with this particular flavour profile.

How do you make an easy Amaretto Sour??

The Amaretto Sour is an iconic and easy-to-make cocktail. Here is a foolproof basic recipe?:

• 50 ml of amaretto
• 25 ml of fresh lemon juice
• 15 ml of simple syrup
• Optional?: 15 ml of egg white (for texture and foam)

Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

How should you store an opened bottle of amaretto??

A bottle of classic (non-creamy) amaretto keeps very well. Keep it tightly sealed, upright, in a cool place away from direct sunlight, such as a cupboard or bar. It can be kept this way for several years without any significant change in flavour. For amaretto creams like Disaronno Velvet, it's best to check the label. Generally, it is recommended to refrigerate them after opening and consume them within six months to ensure optimal freshness.