National Amaretto Day
National Amaretto Day, April 19th, honors a liqueur known around the world for its flavor and aroma on April 19th.
Amaretto means "a little bitter" in Italian, because it is made from bitter almonds or apricot kernels, or both. Manufacturers infuse it with pure alcohol or brandy, resulting in a strong almond flavor. This traditionally Italian liqueur has a reputation for being fragrant.
Secrecy and lore shrouded secrecy and lore
In Saronno, Italy, painter Bernardino Luini selected a young innkeeper as his model for a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles, taking us back to the 1525 Renaissance. The innkeeper gave the artist a gift of her own personal blend of almond and brandy in honor of being chosen. For centuries, the family held the dish as a closely guarded mystery. However, the Di Saronno family began making its amaretto for a wider audience in the 20th century. In the late 1940s, the liqueur first appeared in newspaper advertisements in the United States, and the family now bottles their recipe.
Another Amaretto tale comes from the same region of Italy. However, this tale tells of a young Lazzaroni couple who were blessed by the Cardinal of Milan in 1718. The couple commemorated his visit with a unique dish of their own, making an amaretto cookie like no other. This one came in a bottle as well. Of course, they also closely guarded their recipe generations. The Lazzaroni family began exporting their amaretto liqueur in 1851, and the family is still making it today.
How to celebrate #nationalamarettoday
- Make an amaretto drink or mix up an amaretto drink
- With an amaretto baked good, you will celebrate. The aroma alone is delectable
- Amaretto is also a great match for coffee and citrus beverages
- You can now enjoy delectable mocktails thanks to amaretto flavor syrups
- Experiment with recipes or share your favorites. We even have a dish for you to try
- Bars Almond Amaretto Bars are among Almond Amaretto Bars that have been unable to Bars
- To post on social media, use the hashtag #NationalAmarettoDay
Amaretto FAQ
Q. Isn't bitter almonds poisonous?
A. Bitter almonds and apricot seeds contain a poison called hydrogen cyanide (HCN). If you're wondering that the bartender is actually asking you to choose your poison, hold up a moment. In several of the amarettos made today, there are no traceable (read poisonous) amounts of HCN. The process used to make amaretto and the use of almond extracts in several of the amarettos made today negate any traceable (read poisonous) amounts of HCN.
Q. What goes well with amaretto?
A. Amaretto is a nimble liqueur. Mix it with your creamy liqueurs and vodkas to create your own unique liqueurs and vodkas. Be innovative or ask your bartender their favorite mixes. Amaretto's Nutty, sweet, and chocolate flavors also pair well with amaretto. Or, make it simple and mix it with a citrus soda.
