Liqueurs are a category of alcohol that deserves special attention. A special combination of sweets and alcohol gives them special status. There are so many varieties and recipes of liquors that even those who don’t really like this type of drink in their most classic form will be able to choose something to their taste. Some of them insist on certain fruits, others on mint, and others on cocoa.
One of the most popular liquors in our time is amaretto. This drink comes from the Apennine Peninsula, which has a rich, peculiar taste.
What is amaretto
A typical amaretto has medium density and a warm brownish color. The main ingredient of this liquor is almonds, which are felt both in smell and in taste and aftertaste, revealing themselves from sweetness and ending on a bitter note.
However, almonds are not the only component present in this drink. Amaretto is also a combination of apricot kernels, vanilla, grape syrup, spices and fragrant roots. Almond bitterness is somewhat softened by this composition and has unusually pleasant properties. The strength of the drink is from 21 to 28%.
Real amaretto is produced exclusively in square bottles with a square cork. This form was quite original in the 1500s. But their Murano glassblowers came up with a single purpose - so that lovers of this liquor could find it in their cellars even by touch.
History of creation
The first amaretto appeared in Italy in the 16th century. According to some sources, this liquor was made by one of the members of the Disaronno family. This is also indicated by the current name of the drink - the classic variety is referred to only as Disaronno Originale.
However, another very romantic legend is associated with the emergence of amaretto. According to her, in one of the monasteries in Saronno it was required to complete the painting of walls and ceilings. To do this, they hired an artist who was no less than a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci himself. He drew inspiration from the love relationship that struck up with the mistress of the local inn, a surprisingly beautiful woman. They say that the image of the Madonna herself was written from her. Despite all the tenderness, the lovers, due to some circumstances, could not unite their destinies, and on the day of separation this woman presented Bernardino Luini (that was the name of the artist) a self-made liquor - amaretto. This simultaneously symbolized the sweetness of their love and the bitterness of parting.
Amaretto Properties
Alcohol in immodest volumes has a detrimental effect on the body and causes addiction. This liquor is no exception. But at the same time, in small doses, the drink has some useful qualities. It is only important to know how to drink amaretto, and also to understand what effect it has on our body.
Due to the presence of a large amount of almonds, liquor is to some extent an antioxidant: it is used to prevent tumor diseases and stabilize the nervous system. In addition, amaretto improves digestion and is therefore recommended for use after a heavy meal.
Types of amaretto and their cost
In Russian stores, in addition to the Disaronno Amaretto Originale itself, today you can find the following brands of amaretto:
- San Giorgio;
- San Marco;
- San Lorenzo;
- Paganini;
- Florence.
Their cost varies slightly. For example, Disaronno and Florence are the most expensive liqueurs from the amaretto series. The price for one bottle of 0.7 liter is about 1600 rubles. The brands San Giorgio and Paganini have an average cost: they can be purchased for 750-800 rubles. And finally, the cheapest ones are San Marco and San Lorenzo. 0.5 L is a typical volume for such amaretto. The price is very affordable. So, you can buy such a drink for only 250-300 rubles.
Amaretto liquor: what to drink with?
The rules for using this liquor are quite simple: they drink it on their own, as well as as an accompaniment to hot soft drinks, desserts and juices. Amaretto in combination with:
- chocolate, coffee and black tea;
- cold cola;
- orange or cherry juice;
- cake, cake, profiteroles and creams.
In addition, with amaretto excellent cocktails are obtained. The drink can be mixed with Baileys, soda, tequila, rum, champagne, whiskey, vodka and brandy. The main thing is to take all the ingredients in equal proportions, the recommended volume of which should be from 30 to 50 ml.
You do not like to mix drinks, but do not know how to drink amaretto separately? In this case, pour a little liquor into a glass or glass with a low leg and throw a few pieces of ice there.
Mistresses can be advised to add amaretto to the bakery: various cakes, klafuti, parfait, muffins, cookies, pies, sorsets, muffins and chocolate-almond based cheesecakes will acquire a new flavor.
Homemade Liquor Recipe
Amaretto is a drink that does not have to be purchased at the supermarket. It is quite possible to make a liquor at home, using a minimum of ingredients that are easily found in any store.
To make a homemade amaretto, you will need:
- almonds - 100 g;
- apricot / peach kernels - 100 g;
- regular vodka - 0.5 l;
- boiled water - 0.5 l;
- sugar - 400g.
Peel the almonds and chop them thoroughly with the kernels. Put the mixture in a container, fill it with vodka, seal it tightly and put in the pantry for 30 days. After the expiration of the time, remove the workpiece and start cooking syrup. To do this, mix water and sugar in a saucepan, and then put on fire. When the future liquor boils, remove the pan from the stove.
Now you can strain the workpiece and mix it with syrup. Pour the resulting liquid into sterilized bottles and put them back in the pantry - now for at least 3 months.
The term is quite long, but the result fully justifies it. After all, the taste of homemade amaretto turns out to be as close as possible to the store, and it can also be added to cocktails and when preparing desserts.
Amaretto appeared in Russia in the late 1970s, and since then has become one of the most beloved foreign spirits. A memorable taste, the appropriateness of drinking after lunch or dinner, a pleasant relaxing effect - this is what mainly characterizes amaretto liquor. With what to drink it today, and how - it is mostly personal taste. However, remember that, like other alcohol, this drink should not be abused.