When served as a beverage, amaretto can be drunk by itself, used as an ingredient to create several popular
mixed drinks, or added to
coffee. Amaretto is also commonly used in
Italian and other cuisines, especially in recipes for
confectionery and sweet
baked goods.
Origin
Etymology
The name amaretto originated as a
diminutive of the
Italian word amaro, meaning "bitter", which references the distinctive flavour lent by the mandorla amara or by the
drupe kernel. However, the bitterness of amaretto tends to be mild, and sweeteners (and sometimes sweet almonds) enhance the flavour in the final products.[5] Thus, one can interpret the liqueur's name as a description of the taste as "a little bitter".
Cyanide is processed out of the almond preparation before its use.[citation needed]
One should not confuse amaretto with
amaro, a different family of Italian liqueurs that, while also sweetened, have a stronger bitter flavour derived from herbs.
Legend
Despite the history of introducing and accepting almonds into Italian cuisine, newer takes on the meanings and origins have been popularized by two major brands. Though of sometimes questionable provenance, these tales hold a sentimental place in Saronno culture:
In 1525, a
Saronno church commissioned artist
Bernardino Luini, one of
Leonardo da Vinci's pupils, to paint its
sanctuary with
frescoes. As the church was dedicated to the
Virgin Mary, Luini needed to depict the
Madonna but needed a model. He found his inspiration in a young widowed innkeeper, who became his model and (in most versions) lover. The woman wished to give him a gift out of gratitude and affection. Her simple means did not permit much, so she steeped apricot kernels in brandy and presented the resulting concoction to a touched Luini.[6][7]
Amaretto is frequently added to desserts, including ice cream, which enhances the flavour of the dessert with almonds and is complementary to the flavour of chocolate.
Tiramisu, a popular Italian cake, is often flavoured with either real amaretto or alcohol-free amaretto aroma.
Savoury recipes that call for amaretto usually involve meats, such as chicken.
A few shots of amaretto can be added to pancake batter for a richer flavour.
Amaretto is often added to almondine sauce for fish and vegetables.
Amaretto is often added to whipped cream.
Amaretto chocolate truffles
Cocktails
Cocktails with Amaretto liqueur as a primary ingredient: