Amaro and Amaretto often get confused because of their similar names, but they are two very different drinks.
Amaro offers a bitter, herbal taste, made from a combination of botanicals.
Amaretto is sweet and nutty, usually made from almonds or apricot pits.
This article will break down their origins, ingredients, flavor profiles, and uses to make the differences clear.
An Overview
| Amaro | Amaretto | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Herbs, roots, barks, spices, citrus peels | Almonds or apricot pits, sugar, alcohol |
| Flavor | Bitter, herbal, complex | Sweet, nutty, smooth |
| Alcohol Content | 16% to 40% ABV | 21% to 28% ABV |
| Usage | Digestif, neat or with ice, in cocktails | Cocktails, desserts, neat or over ice |
| Origins | Italy, with various regional recipes | Originated in Saronno, Italy |
Ingredients
Amaro is a herbal liqueur, often made by steeping alcohol with a wide variety of botanicals like herbs, roots, barks, citrus peels, and spices. Each region of Italy offers its own unique blend, influenced by local ingredients and traditions.
- Northern Italy: Amari from this region tends to have a more herbal and bitter profile, as seen in brands like Fernet-Branca. They often use alpine herbs and roots.
- Southern Italy: Drinks from southern regions like Sicily use more citrus peels and sweet spices, leading to a sweeter, smoother taste like Averna.
- Central Italy: This region offers a balance of bitter and sweet flavors, with brands like Amaro Lucano, which uses a blend of over 30 herbs and spices.
When it comes to Amaretto, we can notice a much simpler combination of ingredients.
- Almonds or apricot pits: These give the liqueur its signature nutty flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the bitterness from the apricot pits.
- Occasional herbs and spices: Some brands add mild herbs or spices for additional depth, though they are not as dominant as in amaro.
Flavor
Amaro is known for its bitter, herbal taste, which varies greatly depending on the region and the specific ingredients used. The flavor can range from intensely bitter to slightly sweet, depending on the herbs involved.
Amaretto, on the other hand, is much sweeter. It has a nutty, marzipan-like flavor, often accompanied by hints of caramel and vanilla.
Common Amaro Flavor Notes
- Bitter herbs: The defining characteristic of most amari, especially from northern Italy.
- Citrus: Southern Italian amari often have strong notes of orange or lemon peel.
- Spices: Many Amari include warming spices like cinnamon or clove, adding depth to the bitterness.
Common Amaretto Flavor Notes
- Almond: The most dominant flavor, often compared to marzipan.
- Vanilla and caramel: Sweet undertones that complement the nuttiness.
- Slight bitterness: A subtle aftertaste from the apricot pits, though this is minimal compared to amaro.
Alcohol Content
Amaro generally has a higher alcohol by volume, typically ranging from 16% to 40%, depending on the variety and brand.
Amaretto, on the other hand, usually falls between 21% and 28% ABV.
Popular Amaro Brands
- Fernet-Branca: One of the most iconic amaro brands, known for its strong, bitter, and herbal taste, with an ABV of 39%.
- Averna: A Sicilian amaro with a sweeter, more approachable flavor, containing an ABV of 29%.
- Montenegro: A well-balanced amaro that mixes sweetness with bitterness, coming in at 23% ABV.
- Campari: Although lighter in bitterness compared to other amari, it has an ABV of 20.5-28.5%, depending on the variation.
Popular Amaretto Brands and ABV
- Disaronno: The most famous amaretto brand, known for its smooth, sweet flavor, with an ABV of 28%.
- Lazzaroni Amaretto: A traditional brand with an almond flavor, boasting an ABV of 24%.
- Luxardo Amaretto: Another classic Italian brand with an ABV of 28%.
- Di Amore: A more affordable option, with an ABV of 21%.
Usage
Amaro and Amaretto each have specific uses based on their unique flavor profiles and alcohol content.
Common Ways to Use Amaro
- Neat or on the rocks: Traditionally served after meals as a digestif.
- Cocktails: Amaro is a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Negroni, Boulevardier, and Paper Plane.
- With soda water: Sometimes mixed with soda water to balance its bitterness.
Common Ways to Use Amaretto
- Cocktails: Amaretto is famously used in cocktails like the Amaretto Sour, Godfather, and Italian Margarita.
- Desserts: Popular in dessert recipes like tiramisu, almond-flavored cakes, or drizzled over ice cream.
- With coffee: Amaretto is often added to coffee for a warm, nutty kick.
Best Cocktail Recipes With These Liqueurs
Amaro and Amaretto are absolute game-changers when it comes to cocktails.
These two drinks may seem worlds apart, but they each know how to play their part in making unforgettable cocktails. Here are some killer recipes that show how these liqueurs shine.
Amaro Cocktail Recipes
1. Negroni
This is a solid classic. It’s a bitter, bold mix of gin, Campari (a type of amaro), and sweet vermouth. Stir them with ice, strain, and throw an orange peel on top. Simple, but it packs a punch.
2. Boulevardier
Imagine a Negroni, but swap the gin for whiskey. This drink gets rich and deep with bourbon or rye whiskey, mixed with your choice of amaro and sweet vermouth. Stir it all up with ice and sip away.
3. Paper Plane
Equal parts bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice make for a drink that’s balanced and smooth. Shake it up with ice, strain it into a glass, and get ready for a perfect sweet-sour-bitter combo.
4. Americano
Light and refreshing, this one’s simple but satisfying. Campari, sweet vermouth, and a splash of soda water over ice with an orange slice. Easy, cool, and low on the booze.
Amaretto Cocktail Recipes
1. Amaretto Sour
The ultimate Amaretto cocktail. Mix it up with lemon juice and simple syrup for that sweet-tart goodness. Shake it well and strain over ice. Want it extra smooth? Add an egg white for some creamy froth.
2. Godfather
This one’s all about simplicity. Equal parts Amaretto and Scotch whiskey over ice. It’s strong, smoky, and sweet all at once. If you’re into whiskey, this cocktail gives it a sweet twist.
3. Italian Margarita
The margarita gets an Italian upgrade. Trade out the triple sec for Amaretto and mix with tequila and fresh lime juice. Shake it up and pour over ice for a citrusy, nutty drink with a twist.
4. Amaretto Coffee
For when you want a warm pick-me-up. Add a shot of Amaretto to your hot coffee and top it off with whipped cream. Sweet, nutty, and perfect for ending the night.
FAQs
Can you drink Amaretto straight?
Yes, Amaretto can be enjoyed straight. Its sweet, smooth, and nutty flavor makes it pleasant to sip on its own, especially when served over ice.
How should Amaro be stored?
Amaro should be stored in a cool, dark place, like a liquor cabinet. Once opened, it can last for years without refrigeration due to its high alcohol content, though the flavor may mellow slightly over time.
What is the origin of the name “Amaretto”?
The name “Amaretto” comes from the Italian word “amaro,” meaning bitter, with “etto” added to indicate “little bitter.” Despite the name, Amaretto is primarily sweet with a mild bitterness from its almond or apricot pit base.
Can Amaro be used in cooking?
Yes, Amaro can be used in cooking to add depth to sauces, desserts, or even marinades. Its bitter and herbal notes can enhance the flavor of savory dishes and desserts like chocolate-based treats.
Last Words
While Amaro and Amaretto may seem similar at first glance, they are entirely different experiences.
Amaro delivers a complex, bitter, and herbal profile, perfect for sipping slowly or adding depth to cocktails.
Amaretto, with its sweet and nutty flavor, is versatile in both cocktails and desserts, offering a comforting smoothness.
Both liqueurs have rich histories rooted in Italian tradition, but they serve very different roles in the world of drinks.
