Why amaretto liquor is so distinctive
Before you can go out and purchase a bottle of amaretto liquor it would be a good idea to know a few facts about this intriguing drink. Amaretto liquor was only imported to the United States in the 1960s. This drink became a hot favorite especially for making cocktails. The amaretto liquor is a cordial that is almond flavored. There are numerous recipes that make the consumption of this liquor satisfying.
You will be really surprised to know that even though the amaretto liquor has an almond flavor, it may not really have almonds! The base of the liquor is mainly made from spices, flavorings and apricot pits. The first version of the drink was produced in Italy. The word “amaretto” means “a little bitter” in Italian.
The Lazzaronis of Italy claim to be the inventors of the amaretto liquor. However other stories state that this amazing drink was in fact made by a widow who loved the famous Bernardino Luini the Renaissance painter in 1525. She is said to have invented the amaretto liquor for him and her recipe for the drink was passed down her generations without changing at all.
Disaronno Originale which is an amaretto liquor claims to be the original with the secret formula that has remained unchanged from 1525. The manufacturers say that the amaretto has apricot kernel oil along with burnt sugar, the essence of 17 fruits and herbs and absolute alcohol. They claim that the drink has no almonds or any nuts and is absolutely safe to drink. It can be bought at liquor stores along with other top liquors.
The Lazzaroni Amaretto also claims to be the first and original amaretto liquor and is said to have the Amaretti di Saronno macaroons that give it its apricot and delicate almond flavor. Apart from these, there are other top liquor brands that sell their own versions of amaretto. Some of these are Ciemme, Catron, Bols, Casoni, Gozio, Dubois, Dekuyper, Luxardo, Galliano and Hiram Walker.
Amaretto liquor has a lot of culinary uses. Hundreds of recipes claim to have this interesting liquor added to them to make them delicious. Amaretto is also added to ice cream and deserts as it enhances the aroma of almonds and even compliments chocolate. The popular Tiramisu which is an Italian cake is flavored with either the real amaretto or the amaretto aroma.
Savory dishes that have meat and chicken etc use amaretto liquor. Chefs use this liquor in their batter for pancakes to make it richer and lighter. This is also added to sauces used in vegetable and fish dishes.
Some of the famous and most popular cocktails use the amaretto liquor as its main ingredient. For example, “French Connection” is made with Amaretto liquor and cognac, the “Godfather” is made with amaretto liquor and scotch while the “Godmother” is made with amaretto liquor and vodka.
Interestingly enough the “Godchild” is made with amaretto liquor and cream. “Toasted Almond” is made with amaretto liquor, kahlua and cream and the “Bocce Ball” is made with amaretto liquor, orange juice and club soda. All these cocktails are no doubt extremely delicious and satisfying.