Amaretto day is a fun holiday celebrated every year on April 21st. It’s a day to enjoy and appreciate the almond-flavored Italian liqueur known as amaretto. On this day, people raise a glass of amaretto sour, toast with amaretto cocktails, bake amaretto-infused treats, and learn about the history and culture of this popular nutty liqueur.
When is Amaretto Day?
Amaretto Day always falls on April 21st every year. In 2023, Amaretto Day will be celebrated on Thursday, April 21st. The holiday was unofficially started by enthusiasts of the liqueur to honor this nutty Italian favorite. It’s not clear who founded the holiday or when it first originated. However, April 21st was likely chosen because it’s close to the start of spring and offers a nice opportunity to toast with amaretto cocktails as the weather begins to warm up.
History and Origins of Amaretto
Amaretto has a long and storied history dating back to the 16th century. It’s believed that Italian apothecary Bernardino Branca originally created the liqueur in the town of Saronno, Italy around 1525. He concocted a smooth elixir flavored with apricot pits and the almonds of bitter almond trees. The name “Amaretto” means slightly bitter in Italian, referencing the distinctive flavor lent by the apricot kernels. Branca’s original amaretto recipe was passed down through generations and eventually shared with the wider world.
There are a few origin legends about amaretto. One tale claims that Bernardino Branca created amaretto after receiving a secret recipe from a mysterious artist who painted frescoes at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Saronno. Another story suggests that amaretto was invented even earlier by ladies in Saronno who soaked apricot pits in brandy and presented the elixir as a gift to important visitors. While the exact origins are unclear, Saronno is considered the birthplace of modern amaretto as we know it today.
How Amaretto is Made
Authentic Italian amaretto is made from just a few simple ingredients: alcohol, sugar, water, and natural flavors that provide its distinctive almond-like taste. The natural almond flavor comes from apricot kernels and/or peach pits that have had their inner seeds removed. The kernels and pits are ground into a paste and macerated in alcohol, allowing the soft nutty flavors to infuse into the spirit. Sugar is then added to balance the sweetness. True amaretto does not actually contain any almonds – the rich almond flavor and aroma comes solely from the apricot kernels and/or peach pits.
Today, there are a handful of brands that make amaretto in Italy, with some disagreement over whether peach or apricot kernels make the best-tasting liqueur. The most famous brand worldwide is Disaronno, which claims its amaretto is made from a secret recipe of herbs, fruits and spices infused in alcohol.
Amaretto Taste and Aroma
Amaretto has a sweet, rich, and aromatic flavor that tastes like almonds, complemented by notes of vanilla, orange peel, brown sugar, and baking spices. The liqueur has a velvety, viscous texture and a light syrupy body. On the palate, amaretto coats the mouth with its sweet nutty fruity flavors and subtle bitter note from the apricot kernels. The finish is smooth and lightly warming.
The inviting aroma of amaretto is just as delicious as its taste. Breathe in the nutty liqueur and enjoy scents of toasted almond, vanilla, caramelized brown sugar, orange blossom, baking spices, and a subtle background of cherry. Amaretto’s fragrance is sweet, nutty, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Alcohol Percentage of Amaretto
The alcohol content of amaretto can range between 24% to 28% ABV (alcohol by volume). Most commercial brands like Disaronno or Lazzaroni Amaretto are bottled at 28% ABV. Some artisanal amaretto producers create versions with lower alcohol content around 24-26% ABV. The sugar content helps balance amaretto’s alcohol taste, making it pleasantly drinkable as a sipper.
How to Drink Amaretto
There are many delicious ways to enjoy amaretto’s almond and orange peel flavors. Here are some classic recipes to sip on Amaretto Day:
Amaretto Sour
The most popular way to drink amaretto is in an amaretto sour, a classic whiskey sour cocktail made with amaretto instead of whiskey. Combine amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or orange slice.
Godfather
For a warming sipper, try the Godfather cocktail of amaretto and Scotch. Pour 1 1/2 ounces amaretto and 1 1/2 ounces Scotch whisky over ice in an old fashioned glass. Add a twist of orange peel to garnish.
Amaretto Stone Sour
Give your sour a fruity twist by adding cherry juice or puree. Mix together amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, cherry juice and orange slice. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice into a chilled glass. Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda.
Almond Joy Shot
Recreate the flavors of an Almond Joy candy bar in shot form. Layer coconut rum, chocolate liqueur, and amaretto in a shot glass to mimic the taste of toasted coconut, chocolate, and almonds.
Amaretto Fizz
Top your amaretto with some fizzy bubbles. Combine amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup over ice in a tall glass. Top with chilled club soda and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Amaretto on the Rocks
Don’t overcomplicate things. Amaretto’s flavors truly shine when sipped straight over ice or stirred into iced tea for a boozy twist.
Amaretto Cocktail Recipes
Mix up one of these delicious cocktails to celebrate Amaretto Day. Cheers!
| Cocktail Name | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Amaretto Sour |
|
Shake amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cherry. |
| Amaretto Sunrise |
|
Pour amaretto and orange juice into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice. |
| Amaretto Mojito |
|
Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a glass. Add amaretto, lime juice and fill with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with mint. |
| Amaretto Mule |
|
Fill a mule mug or collins glass with ice. Add amaretto and top with ginger beer. Squeeze in lime juice. Garnish with lime wedge. |
How to Make Homemade Amaretto
Want to try crafting your own amaretto at home? It takes just 3 ingredients and 2 weeks for infusing. Here is a simple recipe to make one 750ml bottle of amaretto:
Ingredients
- 1 cup apricot kernels or peach pits
- 2 cups vodka (40% ABV)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Crack open apricot pits/peach pits to remove the inner seeds/kernels. Discard the outer fruit.
- Crush the seeds/kernels into smaller pieces with a mortar and pestle or pulse in a food processor.
- Combine crushed seeds and vodka in a glass jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place to infuse for 2 weeks, shaking jar every few days.
- After 2 weeks, strain the vodka through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a clean glass bottle.
- Add sugar to the infused vodka and stir vigorously until fully dissolved.
- Seal bottle and let sit for 3 days to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Taste your homemade amaretto. Adjust sweetness if desired by adding more sugar simple syrup.
- Enjoy over ice or in your favorite amaretto cocktail recipes.
Where to Find Amaretto
Amaretto is easy to find at any liquor store. Well-known brands like Disaronno and Lazzaroni are available at most major retailers. You may also find small-batch artisanal amaretto from local distillers at specialty liquor shops. Cocktail bars and Italian restaurants also frequently stock amaretto on their bar shelves.Grab a bottle to mix up festive Amaretto Day cocktails at home.
How to Store and Serve Amaretto
An unopened bottle of amaretto can last for many years without going bad. Once opened, amaretto will keep its quality and flavor for around 2 to 3 years stored in a cool, dark place. Over time, the liqueur may start to slowly oxidize and lose some aroma, but it will remain safe to consume. A bottle of amaretto should be tightly sealed between uses. The rich nutty flavor can also fade if exposed to direct light for prolonged periods.
Amaretto is traditionally served straight up and chilled or on the rocks in an old fashioned glass. It pairs deliciously with ice cream and espresso in after dinner drinks. Amaretto’s sweet and fragrant flavors also shine when shaken or stirred in cocktails. Break out your favorite bottle and mix up an amaretto cocktail to raise a joyful toast on April 21st for Amaretto Day!
Amaretto Day Deals and Specials
Many restaurants and bars celebrate Amaretto Day by offering discounts and specials on drinks made with the Italian liqueur. Here are some deals to look out for on April 21st:
- Italian restaurants may offer $1 off amaretto sours or discounted shots of amaretto.
- Some bars have Amaretto Day happy hours with $2 off cocktails like amaretto sours and godfathers.
- Chain restaurants like TGI Fridays or Chili’s may discount their signature amaretto cocktails.
- Local distilleries making craft amaretto offer free tastings and amaretto cocktails.
- Liquor stores promote sales on major amaretto brands like Disaronno and Lazzaroni.
- Amaretto-themed events at nightclubs with live music, contests, and giveaways.
Check out bars and restaurants in your area on April 21st to find great deals on amaretto drinks. It’s the perfect excuse to get together with friends and taste this almond-flavored liqueur.
How Brands Market Amaretto Day
Amaretto liquor brands heavily promote the holiday to boost sales and awareness of their products. Here are some of the ways they celebrate:
- Disaronno hosts Amaretto Day events at bars and runs social media contests.
- Lazzaroni Amaretto creates holiday gift sets and cocktails recipes to share.
- Craft amaretto makers offer distillery tours and tastings.
- Brands advertise through posters, bar mats, and drink menus.
- PR campaigns pitch Amaretto Day cocktails to media outlets.
- Influencer marketing on Instagram and TikTok promotes amaretto drinks.
- Hashtags like #AmarettoDay and #DisaronnoDay go viral.
Amaretto Day provides a prime opportunity for brands to engage consumers and paint amaretto as a fun, versatile liqueur. Their slick marketing helps drive greater awareness and sales each April 21st.
Fun Facts About Amaretto
- Italy produces around 18 million liters of amaretto each year, with Disaronno making up about 50% of production.
- “Disaronno” stands for “Disaranno, anno 1525” which references the town of Saronno and the year origination.
- Disaronno amaretto is famously square-shaped, supposedly because it could be easily stacked for transport.
- Amaretto means “a little bitter” in Italian, referring to the subtle almond/apricot pit flavor.
- Adding a splash of amaretto adds rich flavor to desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake, or chocolate mousse.
- The almond biscotti cookie is often dipped in amaretto for a sweet, sophisticated dessert.
- Rapper Snoop Dogg loves amaretto and even created his own brand called Indoggo.
- A shot of amaretto is sometimes served after dinner as an Italian digestivo.
- Amaretto has a lower ABV (24-28%) than many hard liquors, making it more approachable.
- It’s quite easy to make amaretto at home with vodka, apricot kernels, and sugar.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Amaretto Day
Enjoy Amaretto Day 2023 by:
- Sipping an amaretto sour or other favorite cocktail
- Trying chilled amaretto on the rocks
- Mixing up new amaretto drinks and shots
- Toasting with friends at a cocktail party
- Going out for amaretto cocktails at a bar or restaurant
- Learning to make homemade amaretto
- Baking amaretto-infused desserts like pound cake or macarons
- Gifting a nice bottle of amaretto to other liqueur lovers
- Posting about your amaretto drinks on social media
Amaretto Day 2023
Mark your calendars because Amaretto Day 2023 lands on Thursday, April 21st. Enjoy this food holiday celebrating the almond-flavored Italian liqueur by sipping amaretto cocktails, from classic sours to new mixology creations. Learn about amaretto’s long history from its origins in Saronno, Italy. Try your hand at making homemade amaretto, or gift a bottle to share Italian culture and liqueur craftsmanship. Most importantly, raise a glass with good friends and toast to Amaretto Day 2023!