Amaretto liqueur - the pearl of Italy

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Almost five hundred years ago, Italian winemakers created a sweet fortified drink called Amaretto. There are different legends regarding the birth of this liquor. Some believe that it was the love story that prompted the beautiful Italian to create a divine drink as a gift to her chosen one on the day of parting. Amaretto liqueur turned out with a slight bitter aftertaste, symbolizing unbearable sadness due to separation from a lover.

The basis for the production of this drink is an extract from almond seeds. Sometimes, in addition to them, apricot kernels are used. According to the technology of preparation, these products must undergo special pre-treatment. The fact is that the bones of fruit trees contain hydrocyanic acid, which is not safe for the human body and can cause severe poisoning. In industrial conditions, grape syrup or almond oil is used to decompose this toxic substance during the distillation process. Vanilla, spices, as well as a variety of herbs and roots are used to give a unique flavor.

At first, the drink was produced only in the small town of Saronno in Lombardy. It was called the liqueur Amaretto Disaronno. Over time, they began to make it in other areas of sunny Italy. Over the years, Amaretto liqueur has become the pride of the country, its hallmark. Production in each region was carried out according to its own special recipe. But the tart taste of almonds and a slight smell of vanilla remained unchanged. Gradually, the product gained worldwide fame and wide popularity among lovers of dessert drinks.

Amaretto liqueur cannot be confused with anything even on store shelves. It is easily recognizable by its special square bottle. This original container was invented at one time by the glassblowers of the small town of Murano. Now, even with your eyes closed, you can be absolutely sure what you are pouring into your glass.

The strength of the drink is from 21 to 28%. This largely determines what Amaretto is drunk with. Firstly, because of the large amount of sugar, it is better to consume it after a meal, when the body is set for dessert. Amaretto is sometimes mixed with tea or coffee. Like any other liquor, it can be drunk neat, adding a couple of pieces of ice to the glass for freshness, or used to make a variety of cocktails. The simplest of them is called "Amaretto coffee". To prepare it, liquor is poured into the bottom of a Hurricane glass. Then coffee is added, and whipped cream is placed on top and the dish is decorated with a fresh cherry.

If the liquor is used without any additives, then as a snackgood to use grapes, apples or any citrus fruits.

Choosing Amaretto to the table, what to drink with and how you need to know in advance. This liqueur goes well with citrus fruit juices. In this form, it can serve as an excellent addition to dessert. In hot weather, it can be added to tonic water for a wonderful refreshing drink. Amaretto is often used as one of the ingredients for making alcoholic cocktails. The drink is prepared by whipping in a blender and poured into chilled glasses. A variety of recipes allows you to satisfy the desires of any, even the most demanding gourmet.