Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with an alcohol content typically between 24-28% ABV (alcohol by volume). The exact alcohol percentage can vary by brand.
What is Amaretto?
Amaretto is a liqueur made from almond or apricot kernel oil flavored with extracts of fruits, herbs, and spices. The most common varieties are:
- Amaretto di Saronno – made in Italy, the original and most popular brand worldwide
- Disaronno – made by Illva Saronno in Italy, virtually identical to Amaretto di Saronno
- Lazzaroni Amaretto – another Italian brand
- Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira – made from Saschira apricot kernels
True Amaretto liqueurs contain no almond or other nut extracts and are not almond-flavored. The characteristic almond aroma and flavor come from benzaldehyde derived from the fruit kernels.
Standard Alcohol Content of Amaretto
The standard alcohol content of Amaretto ranges from 24-28% ABV. Here are some examples:
- Disaronno Originale – 28% ABV
- Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira – 24% ABV
- Lazzaroni Amaretto – 24% ABV
- Amaretto di Saronno – 28% ABV
So the most popular commercial brands of Amaretto like Disaronno and Saronno contain 28% alcohol. Other brands may be slightly lower at 24-25% ABV.
Alcohol Content by Volume Definition
Alcohol content is measured as alcohol by volume (ABV). ABV is the percentage of ethanol present within the total volume of an alcoholic beverage. For example:
- A beverage with 40% ABV contains 40% ethanol and 60% other ingredients by volume.
- A 28% ABV Amaretto contains 28% alcohol and 72% other liqueur ingredients.
ABV differs from alcohol proof, which is a measure of alcohol content in the United States. Proof is double the ABV percentage. So a 28% ABV Amaretto would be 56 proof.
Factors Affecting Alcohol Content
There are several factors that can affect the alcohol content of Amaretto and other liqueurs:
- Base alcohol – Most liqueurs start with a high proof neutral spirit as the base, which is then flavored and sweetened. The higher the proof of the base alcohol, the higher the potential ABV of the final product.
- Recipe – More flavorings and sugar will dilute the base spirit, lowering ABV. Less will leave more alcohol, increasing ABV.
- Blending – Some liqueurs blend multiple batches to achieve a target ABV.
- Dilution – Adding water or other ingredients lowers ABV.
- Aging – Alcohol can evaporate over time in wooden barrels, decreasing ABV slightly.
- Regulations – ABV may be adjusted to meet local alcohol tax laws or labeling regulations.
So the production process gives brands some flexibility to make small ABV adjustments in their Amaretto recipes.
Highest Alcohol Content Amaretto
Most major Amaretto brands have an alcohol content around 28% ABV. But some specialty products have higher ABV levels. For example:
- Vecchio Amaro del Capo – 35% ABV
- Cacciatore Vecchio Amaro – 35% ABV
- Bepi Tosolini Amaretto – 32% ABV
These are technically considered amari (bitters) rather than pure Amaretto. But they have a similar almond-apricot flavor profile with significantly higher alcohol content.
Lowest Alcohol Content Amaretto
On the lower end, a few Amaretto brands have ABVs in the 20-24% range. These include:
- Contri Amaro Speciale – 20% ABV
- Regal – 20% ABV
- Arrow – 24% ABV
Diluting Amaretto with other beverages can also effectively reduce the alcohol percentage. An Amaretto sour cocktail with 1 part Amaretto and 3 parts sour mix would have an ABV around 7-10% depending on the Amaretto used.
Comparison to Other Liqueurs
| Liqueur | Typical ABV |
|---|---|
| Amaretto | 24-28% |
| Triple sec | 20-40% |
| Curaçao | 20-40% |
| Creme de cacao | 20-25% |
| Creme de menthe | 24-28% |
| Sambuca | 38-42% |
| Schnapps | 15-60% |
| Kahlúa | 20-26% |
| Bailey’s | 17% |
Amaretto has a mid-range alcohol content compared to other liqueurs. It is lower in alcohol than high proof spirits like Sambuca or some schnapps. But it has a higher ABV than cream based liqueurs like Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Maximum Alcohol Content of Liqueurs
Most liqueurs fall in the 15-40% ABV range. There are some regulations around maximum alcohol content in certain jurisdictions:
- United States – No maximum limit set federally but some states may impose limits.
- European Union – Up to 86 proof (43% ABV) to be labeled as a liqueur.
- Russia – Maximum of 25% ABV to be labeled as a liqueur.
So in most countries, liqueur ABVs rarely exceed 40-45%. Anything above that may be considered a neutral spirit or specialty bitters rather than a true liqueur.
Conclusion
In summary, the typical alcohol content of Amaretto ranges from 24-28% ABV. The most popular commercial brands like Disaronno and Saronno contain 28% alcohol. Some specialty Amaretto or amari products may reach up to 35% ABV. But standard Amaretto liqueurs rarely exceed 28-30% due to manufacturing and labeling regulations in most markets.
Diluting Amaretto in cocktails or mixers can significantly reduce the effective alcohol percentage. Overall, Amaretto has a moderately high alcohol content compared to other liqueurs, but not nearly as high as neutral spirits. When enjoying Amaretto, it’s best to consume in moderation and responsibly given its 28% ABV potency.