Amaretto - what kind of liquor is this? How and with what to drink amaretto?

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

Liquor is a category of spirits that deserves special attention. A specific combination of sweetness and alcohol gives them a special status. There are so many varieties and recipes of liqueurs today that even those who do not particularly like this type of drink in their most classic form will be able to pick up something to their liking. Some of them insist on certain fruits, others on mint, and still others on cocoa.

One of the most popular liqueurs in our time is amaretto. This is a drink from the Apennine Peninsula, which has a rich original taste.

What is amaretto

Typical amaretto has a medium body and a warm brownish color. The main ingredient of this liqueur is almonds, which are felt both in smell and in taste and aftertaste, opening from sweetness and ending on a bitter note.

However, almonds are not the only component present in this drink. Amaretto is also a combination of apricot kernels, vanilla, grape syrup, spices and fragrant roots. Almond bitterness is softened somewhat by this composition and has unusually pleasant properties. The strength of the drink is from 21 to 28%.

Real amarettoAvailable exclusively in square bottles with a square cork. This form was quite original in the 1500s. Murano glassblowers came up with it for the sole purpose - so that lovers of this liquor could find it in their cellars even by touch.

History of Creation

The first amaretto appeared in Italy in the 16th century. According to some sources, this liqueur was made by one of the members of the Disaronno family. This is also evidenced by the current name of the drink - the classic variety is referred to only as Disaronno Originale.

However, another very romantic legend is connected with the emergence of amaretto. According to her, in one of the monasteries in Saronno, it was necessary to paint the walls and ceiling. To do this, they hired an artist who was nothing less than a student of Leonardo da Vinci himself. He drew inspiration from a love relationship that began with the owner of a local tavern, an amazingly beautiful woman. They say that the image of the Madonna herself was painted from her. Despite all the tenderness, due to some circumstances, the lovers could not unite their destinies, and on the day of parting, this woman presented Bernardino Luini (that was the name of the artist) with a self-made liqueur - amaretto. It simultaneously symbolized the sweetness of their love and the bitterness of parting.

Properties of amaretto

Alcohol in immodest amounts has a detrimental effect on the body and causes addiction. This liqueur is no exception. But at the same time, in small doses, the drink hassome useful features. It is only important to know how to drink amaretto, and also to understand what effect it has on our body.

Due to the presence of a large amount of almonds, the liquor is to some extent an antioxidant: it is used to prevent tumor diseases and stabilize the nervous system. In addition, amaretto improves digestion and is therefore recommended for consumption after a large meal.

Types of amaretto and their cost

In Russian stores, in addition to the Disaronno Amaretto Originale itself, today you can find the following brands of amaretto:

• San Giorgio;
• San Marco;
• San Lorenzo;
• Paganini;
• Florence.

Their cost is somewhat different. For example, Disaronno and Florence are the most expensive amaretto liqueurs. The price for one bottle of 0.7 liters is about 1600 rubles. San Giorgio and Paganini brands have an average cost: they can be purchased for 750-800 rubles. And finally, the most inexpensive are San Marco and San Lorenzo. 0.5 l is a typical volume for such amarettos. The price is very democratic. So, you can buy such a drink for only 250-300 rubles.

Amaretto liqueur: what to drink with?

The rules for using this liquor are quite simple: they drink it on their own, and also as an accompaniment to hot soft drinks, desserts and juices. Amaretto will be especially good in combination with:

• chocolate, coffee and black tea;
• cold cola;
• orange or cherryjuice;
• cake, cake, profiteroles and creams.

Besides, amaretto makes excellent cocktails. It is permissible to mix the drink with Baileys, soda, tequila, rum, champagne, whiskey, vodka and brandy. The main thing is to take all the ingredients in equal proportions, the recommended amount of which should be from 30 to 50 ml.

You don't like to mix drinks, but don't know how to drink amaretto separately? In this case, pour some liquor into a glass or glass with a low stem and throw in some ice cubes.

Housewives can be advised to add amaretto to pastries: various cakes, clafoutis, parfaits, muffins, cookies, pies, sorries, muffins and cheesecakes on a chocolate-almond base will acquire a new flavor.

Homemade liqueur recipe

Amaretto is a drink that doesn't have to be bought in the supermarket. Liquor is quite possible to make at home, using a minimum of ingredients that are easily found in any store.

To make homemade amaretto you will need:

• almonds - 100 g;
• apricot/peach kernels - 100g;
• regular vodka - 0.5 l;
• boiled water - 0.5 l;
• sugar - 400g.

Peel the almonds and finely chop them together with the kernels. Put the mixture in a container, fill with vodka, seal tightly and put in the pantry for 30 days. After the expiration of the period, remove the workpiece and start cooking the syrup. To do this, mix water and sugar in a saucepan, and then put on fire. When the future liquor boils, remove the pan from the stove.

Now you can strain the workpiece and mix it with syrup. Pour the resulting liquid into sterilized bottles and put them back in the pantry - now for at least 3 months.

The term is quite long, but the result fully justifies it. After all, the taste of homemade amaretto is as close as possible to the store, and it can also be added to cocktails and when preparing desserts.

Amaretto appeared in Russia in the late 1970s, and has since become one of the most beloved foreign alcoholic drinks. A memorable taste, the appropriateness of drinking after lunch or dinner, a pleasant relaxing effect - this is what mainly characterizes amaretto liquor. With what to drink it today, and how - a matter for the most part of personal taste. However, remember that, like other alcohol, this drink should not be abused.