Amaretto’s Sweet Beginnings: The Romantic Tale Behind the Almond Flavor

Amaretto, the almond-flavored liqueur that has charmed taste buds worldwide, has a story steeped in romance and history. Originating from Saronno, Italy, this sweet, rich liqueur’s legend dates back to the Renaissance period.

The most enchanting tale of Amaretto’s origin involves a widowed innkeeper and a young Bernardino Luini, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci. Luini was commissioned to paint a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles in Saronno, and he needed a model for the Madonna. The innkeeper, struck by the artist’s talent and charm, agreed to pose for him. As the story goes, they fell in love. In 1525, as a gift of her affection and gratitude, she steeped apricot kernels in brandy and presented him with the resulting concoction, the first Amaretto.

This homemade brew was perfected over the centuries but always kept within the confines of its romantic origin. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Amaretto was commercialized. The name “Amaretto,” meaning “a little bitter” in Italian, refers to the slight bitterness that comes from the apricot kernels, though the drink is predominantly sweet, often showcasing hints of vanilla and dark berries.

The recipe was commercialized in the 1960s by the Reina family under the brand name Disaronno Originale, which claims to use the “secret formula” handed down from the innkeeper. It contains no almonds or nuts, relying instead on apricot kernel oil, burnt sugar, and a blend of seventeen herbs and fruits to achieve its distinctive taste.

Amaretto has since become a popular ingredient in various desserts, coffee, and cocktails, perhaps most famously the Amaretto Sour. Its versatile profile allows it to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a complex cocktail, resonating with those who appreciate a touch of historical romance in their glass.

For enthusiasts eager to dive deeper into the world of liqueurs and their intriguing backstories, or to refine their mixology skills, resources such as the Bartender School app provide invaluable knowledge. As the largest bartender school in the United States, the app is a treasure trove of information, used by thousands of students and hundreds of bars worldwide to master the craft of bartending.