Here at Distillery Nearby, we know that there are many different liqueurs and spirits that go into the cocktails we enjoy all across the world. One of the most versatile and flavorful of these liqueurs is “amaretto,” and in this blog, we’ll take a look at what it is, why it’s so popular, and how you can use it to create amaretto drinks and amaretto cocktails! Let’s dive right in and learn about National Amaretto Day and the liqueur it celebrates!

What Is Amaretto?

Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavored liqueur that originated in Italy. It is typically made from apricot kernels, which are first soaked in water and then distilled with sugar, herbs, and spices. Amaretto has a sweet, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in cocktails and desserts. It is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Amaretto is typically bottled at 21-28% alcohol by volume, and is a popular ingredient in cocktails, such as the Amaretto Sour, the Godfather, and the Amaretto Manhattan. It is also used in desserts, such as tiramisu, amaretto cheesecake, and amaretto cookies. If you are looking for a sweet, almond-flavored liqueur, amaretto is a great choice. It is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Learn about the Almond Flavored Liqueur’s history-

The history of amaretto is a bit murky, but it is believed to have originated in Italy in the 16th century. The word “amaretto” comes from the Italian word “amaro,” which means “bitter.” This is because amaretto is made from bitter almonds or apricot kernels, which give it its characteristic flavor.

There are two main stories about the origin of amaretto, the first being that it was created in the 16th century by a widow in Saronno, Italy. Supposedly, she was a local innkeeper and made the liqueur as a gift for the painter Bernardino Luini, who was staying at her inn while he was painting a fresco in the local church.

The second story is that it was created by the Lazzaroni family, who were also from Saronno. They were originally bakers and started making amaretto as a way to use up the apricot pits from their almond cookies.

Whichever story is true, amaretto became popular in Italy in the 18th century and was soon exported to other parts of Europe. It became especially popular in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, and has been a staple of bars and liquor cabinets ever since. Today, amaretto is enjoyed all over the world and is used in a variety of cocktails and desserts.

What day do we celebrate?

National Amaretto Day is celebrated on April 19th every year. This date was chosen because it is the birthday of the founder of Disaronno, one of the most popular amaretto brands in the world. Now, every year, we celebrate National Amaretto Day in remembrance of this brand and the delicious liqueur that has become so popular in America. 

In 2023, National Amaretto Day is on a Wednesday, and in 2024 it will be on a Friday – the perfect day to celebrate with some amaretto cocktails! In 2025, National Amaretto Day will be on a Saturday, and in 2026 on a Sunday. 2027 will see National Amaretto Day on a Monday.

How to Celebrate National Amaretto Day:

There are many ways to celebrate National Amaretto Day, and celebrating this holiday is a unique way to share your love of mixed drinks with family and friends. Here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm how to celebrate this fun holiday.

#1: Throw an Amaretto-Themed Party

There’s always a reason to throw a party, and National Amaretto Day is certainly one of them! This delicious liqueur makes for a delightful center-piece and focus for a fun celebration. Here are a few tips for you if you’d like to throw a party that celebrates the delicious, creamy amaretto liqueur:

• Use amaretto-colored decorations, such as red and white balloons, paper lanterns, and tablecloths. You can also play Italian music in the background.
• Serve amaretto-based cocktails. There are many different amaretto cocktails to choose from, and we’ve listed several recipes further on in this post.
• Offer amaretto-flavored desserts. Amaretto can be used in many different desserts, such as cookies, cakes, and pies. You can also make amaretto-flavored ice cream or sorbet.
• Provide amaretto-themed snacks. Serve amaretto-flavored nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. You can also offer amaretto-flavored candy, such as truffles or bonbons.
• Invite your friends and family. Let your friends and family know about your amaretto-themed party and encourage them to dress up in Italian-themed costumes.

#2: Bake With Amaretto

Amaretto can be used in a variety of baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and pies. It can also be used to make glazes and frostings. When baking with amaretto, it is important to use a good quality liqueur. A cheap amaretto will not have the same rich flavor and will not produce the same results in your baked goods. Here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of your baking:

• Start with a small amount of amaretto and add more to taste. Amaretto has a strong flavor, so it is easy to overdo it.
• Use amaretto in combination with other flavors, such as chocolate, coffee, or fruit. This will help to balance the flavor of the amaretto and prevent it from being too overpowering.
• Be sure to follow the recipe closely when baking with amaretto. Some recipes call for amaretto to be added to the batter, while others call for it to be used in a glaze or frosting.

#3: Sip on Some Neat Amaretto

In our opinion, amaretto is perfect for sipping “neat.” It is typically served in a small glass, such as a cordial glass or a snifter. When sipping on amaretto neat, it is important to take small sips and savor the flavor. Amaretto can also be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with other drinks, such as coffee or soda water.

#4: Try Some New Amaretto Cocktails

As mentioned above, amaretto is great in cocktails, as it packs a huge punch. There are so many different amaretto drinks and amaretto cocktails you can try. Check out the next section for a few options that you might like!

Amaretto Cocktails & Amaretto Drinks to Try:

If you’re looking for some amaretto drinks and amaretto cocktails to try on National Amaretto Day, we have several delicious options for you. Remember, these amaretto drinks will be more delicious when made with local, craft distilled spirits. To find a local distillery near you, check out our local listings for your area. Or, if you’re a distiller who crafts amaretto, get in touch with us about getting your distillery featured on our website!

The “Amaretto Sour”

The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail that is made with amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It is a tart and sweet drink that is perfect for any occasion. To make this drink, add 2 oz amaretto, 1 oz lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup into a shaker with ice, then shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with a lemon twist and cherry.

The “Godfather”

The Godfather is a classic cocktail that is made with Scotch whisky and amaretto. It is a smooth and sophisticated drink that perfectly “clicks” with amaretto’s history. Making a “godfather” is easy: simply add 2 oz Scotch whisky and 1 oz amaretto into a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with an orange peel.

The “Amaretto Manhattan”

The Amaretto Manhattan is a delicious, refined cocktail that you can enjoy any time. It is made with amaretto, sweet vermouth, and rye whiskey, and is garnished with a cherry. To make this variation on the Manhattan, add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz amaretto to a mixing glass with ice, then stir until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, then garnish with a cherry.

The “Amaretto Martini”

The Amaretto Martini is a delicious, citrusy, and easy-to-make cocktail that all of your guests will enjoy. It is made with amaretto, vodka, and lemon juice. To make one for yourself, add 2 oz amaretto, 1 oz vodka, and ½ oz lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake the ingredients vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist and enjoy!

Distillery Nearby: Your Source for Finding Local, Craft Amaretto

National Amaretto Day is a great opportunity to enjoy this delicious liqueur. Whether you like to drink it straight, in cocktails, or baked into desserts, amaretto is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways. So, find a local distillery, pick up a bottle of locally-distilled amaretto, raise a glass to National Amaretto Day, and enjoy this sweet and almondy treat!