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] Notable brands [ edit ]

Another story tells of a widow from the Reina family coming up with this quintessential beverage. It was said that in 1525, she fell in love with a painter named Bernardino Luini (who’s supposedly a student of Leonardo da Vinci). She concocted a potion made from apricot kernels soaked in brandy for him, which was supposedly the amaretto liqueur. This recipe was then passed down through generations. Her recipe is presumably the same used by Disaronno Originale Liqueur, one of the most popular Italian amaretto drinks. Amaretto is an Italian liqueur that is from 42 to 54 proof. Amaretto flavor is widely characterized as an almond-ish flavor with cherry undertones. The almond flavor comes from the molecule benzaldehyde, a colorless liquid with an almond-ish aroma. Benzaldehyde is the main component in bitter almond oil, and it’s synthetic version is the flavoring agent in synthetic almond extract. Amaretto liqueur contains this almond essence plus sweetness. What is Amaretto made from? Amaretto is unique because of its almond and cherry taste. However, it is moderately similar to other sweet liqueurs such as Kahlua, Creme de Cacao, or Frangelico. We recommend using a decaf roast for any coffee and alcohol drinks you plan to enjoy after dinner rather than as a morning brew.

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Amaretto has varying alcohol content or ABV levels (alcohol by volume) depending on the brand. Generally, it only has a mid-ranged ABV, ranging from 21 to 28 percent. What Does Amaretto Taste Like? Amaretto is not a whiskey; it is a type of Italian liqueur. Amaretto is a type of amber colored Italian liqueur noted for its sweet taste and almond, cherry flavor. In contrast, whiskey is a spirit made from fermented cereal grains. A bottle that's been unopened and stored in a place that's cool, dark, and dry can last up to two decades. Once a bottle of amaretto is opened, it will be good for up to five years without spoiling. You'll know it's turned if it tastes bitter or sour. In the mid-19th century, the same family then began to commercialise an alcoholic infusion with caramel colouring that reproduced the biscuit’s flavour. It wasn’t until the 1960s that amaretto made its way to the USA.

The history is unknown and entangled in mythology, romance and two disagreeing families so strap in. From the 1500s onwards, Italians distilling their own drinks was not uncommon. However, Disaronno’s story goes like this. In 1525, a church in Saronno (the home of the liqueur) commissioned a student of Leonardo da Vinci to paint for them. The woman he used as a model was a widowed innkeeper and as a gift of gratitude, she steeped apricot kernels with brandy and presented them to artist Bernardino Luini…thus, amaretto was born. While the classic amaretto recipe revolves around almond extract, there are some alternative ingredients that can be used for those who have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor profile. Some substitutes and alternatives include: Oddly, though very tightly associated with the liqueur because of the flavour, almonds are sometimes not used at all in Amaretto production. The specific inclusions in each amaretto differ, but generally, you will find apricot pits used and other botanicals like vanilla and dark sugar. Disaronno, for example, uses the essence of 17 herbs and fruits! What does Amaretto taste like?

Is Amaretto a Whiskey?

Amaretto is no whiskey! Whiskey is made from fermented cereal grains, while Amaretto is made from dried fruit. Amaretto is a liqueur with a base ingredient of apricot kernel oil or bitter almonds or peach stones and other dried fruits and herbs. Amaretto is much weaker than whiskey, with a 28% ABV, while typical whiskey is 40%. Are Amaretto and Disaronno the Same Thing?