Amaretto (Italian for 'a little bitter') is a sweet Italian liqueur originating from the comune (municipality) of Saronno.

Traditionally, amaretto is an Italian almond-flavored liqueur, and legend has it the nutty spirit was Leonardo da Vinci’s drink of choice. But few know the spirit can be made with anything from apricot kernels and peach pits to almond extract and crumbled-up cookies steeped in booze.

What is amaretto? Known for its pronounced almond flavor, amaretto is an Italian liqueur with a honeyed, nutty taste. It has a gorgeous copper hue and silky texture, much like an amaro.

What Is Amaretto? Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavored Italian liqueur. Amaretto is often sipped as an after-dinner drink or used as an ingredient for making cocktails, such as an amaretto sour.

Amaretto, liqueur of Italian origin made from alcohol infused with stone-fruit pits or almonds. Two families in the small Italian city of Saronno, in Lombardy, claim to have originated amaretto, its name derived from the Italian adjective amaro, meaning “bitter.”

Amaretto is a sweet, nutty liqueur that has been enjoyed for centuries. It originated in Italy and is made from a blend of almonds, apricot pits, and other natural ingredients. Amaretto has a distinct flavor and is a popular ingredient in many cocktails and desserts.

What Is Amaretto Liqueur and Why Is It So Popular? An Overview