Who said Amaretto was a thing of the past? Shag carpets, shades of browns and mustards, flared pants, and the soulful sound of Al Green singing “Let’s Stay Together” flash through your head with the first whiff of the nutty-sweet liquor. Sure, that iconically squared bottle might bring you straight to the 1970s, but Amaretto was first made in Saronno during the Renaissance. Today, from amaretto and coke to tequila and amaretto drinks, Amaretto mixed drinks can be found in speakeasies and dive bars alike. 

Gaining its flavor from almonds, apricot pits, or peach pits, the delightful spirit has been a popular addition to cocktails in the United States since it first appeared on the scene in the 1960s. Often whipped into culinary delights such as Tiramisu or an Almondine sauce, drinks gain a nuanced and bittersweet edge. We’ve put together some of our favorite amaretto drink recipes for you to try. Let us know what your favorites are in the comments below.

THE GODFATHER

An absolute classic, this simple, straightforward sipper first became popular in the 1970s. Using a blended or single malt scotch or bourbon as the base, amaretto adds a touch of bittersweet depth to transform the dignified liquor into something a little more approachable.

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz Scotch
▢ 1/4 oz Amaretto
▢ Ice

Directions

1. Stir the scotch and amaretto in a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Strain into a whiskey glass with fresh ice. 

Pair with: a worn leather chair, a cigar, and of course a freshly rewound copy of Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece.

AMARETTO HOT CHOCOLATE

A perfect dessert cocktail, the sweet and nutty qualities of amaretto are a natural fit for a rich hot chocolate. The addition of an orange infused olive oil and whipped cream adds a touch of freshness and lots of delicious creaminess to round out this delicious amaretto hot chocolate. 

Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
▢ 1 cup hot chocolate
▢ 1/4 oz Amaretto
▢ 1 tbsp Orange Oil

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk the cream until soft peaks form.
2. Stir the Amaretto into your hot chocolate, top it with whipped cream, and drizzle with Infused Orange Oil to serve. 

Pair with: biscotti and a Scandinavian noir novel. 

AMARETTO ON THE BEACH

Bringing the best of a ‘70’s vacation straight into your home, this rum and amaretto cocktail will transport you to pink sunsets, soft sand and a warm island breeze. 

Ingredients

▢ 1 oz coconut rum
▢ 1 oz Amaretto
▢ 2 oz fresh orange juice 
▢ 2 oz pineapple juice
▢ 1/2 oz grenadine 

Direction

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and shake rum, amaretto, orange juice and pineapple juice until cold.

2. Strain into another glass filled with ice and top with grenadine. Optional garnish: maraschino cherry. 

Pair with: patchouli, spray tans, and Tommy Bahama.

THE AMARETTO MARGARITA 

Marrying the classic Margarita and Amaretto Sour, this version of the favorite beach sipper swaps out orange liqueur for the Italian almond liqueur. Tart, tangy, and just a touch sweet, the nuanced combination of tequila and amaretto addition adds depth and body to this refreshing cocktail. 

Ingredients

▢ 1 oz fresh lime juice
▢ 1 oz Amaretto
▢ 2 oz tequila
▢ 1/4 oz Lemon Blossom Honey Simple
▢ 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
▢ 2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
▢ Sicilian Sea Salt with Organic Lemon for the rim

Directions

1. Make the simple by dissolving 1 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp hot water.
2. Rim a glass with Sicilian Sea Salt with Organic Lemon and fill with ice.
3. Add lime juice, Amaretto, tequila, lemon blossom honey simple, lemon juice and orange juice into a cocktail shaker with ice.

4. Shake and strain into the salt rimmed glass. 

Pair with: antipasti, Miley Cyrus, and a pile of friends. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Amaretto?
   
   Traditionally made from apricot pits or almonds, Amaretto is a versatile and sweet Italian liquor. Stemming from the word amaro, meaning bitter, you'll quickly find that its namesake is only barely present. Smooth, nutty and sweet, Amaretto is excellent mixed into drinks as well as served on ice as a sipper. 
   
2. What are the best types of amaretto liqueur? 
   
   Some of the best types of amaretto include: Disaronno, Luxardo Amaretto, Adriatico Amaretto, Lazzaroni Amaretto and Knight Gabriello Santoni Amaretto.