5 Amaretto Cocktails To Try This National Amaretto Day!

Amaretto, an almond-flavored Italian liqueur, is renowned for its warm and nutty taste. However, it is still quite underused in cocktails. When used in cocktails, it can elevate the drink with its warm and nutty feel, which is why we’re sharing with you a few Amaretto cocktails. And what better excuse to do so just when National Amaretto Day - April 19 - is around the corner! Here are 5 Amaretto cocktails to try this National Amaretto Day.

Also Read: 10 Whisky Cocktails You Can Make At Home With Indian Brands

5 Amaretto Cocktails That Are Deliciously Warm And Indulgent

What Is Amaretto?

First things first, amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur. It is made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or almonds. The benzaldehyde in all of these sources is what gives the liqueur a distinct almond-like flavor.

The name ‘amaretto’ comes from the word ‘amaro’ which is the Italian word for ‘bitter’. This is most likely in reference to the bitter almonds used in making the liqueur. The liqueur usually contains an alcohol content anywhere between 21% and 28%.

1. Bocce Ball

No we’re not referring to the game, this is a cocktail! Bocce Ball is a refreshing drink that peaked in popularity in the 1970s and 80s. Made with just a few ingredients, this simple drink is often associated with sultry summers and is served in a highball glass over ice. With the April heat sucking the life out of you, this is a cocktail you must definitely make to hit the ‘refresh’ button!

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Amaretto liqueur
• Orange juices
• Soda water
• Orange slice for garnish

Process:

• Pour the vodka, amaretto, and orange juice into a highball glass over ice.
• Add a splash of soda water.
• Garnish with an orange slice and serve!

2. Amaretto Sour

Amaretto cocktails are almost always nutty, bright, and tempting, and an Amaretto Sour is no exception. This cocktail gets assembled in just five minutes and is perfect for relaxed days as well as celebrations. Smooth, sweet, and creamy, an Amaretto Sour stands out for its refreshing taste. Serve it in a rocks glass with a cherry on top and you’ve a beautiful looking (and delicious) cocktail ready!

Ingredients:

• Amaretto
• Bourbon
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Maple syrup
• Egg white
• Cocktail cherry for garnish

Process:

• Combine all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker without ice.
• Shake well to incorporate the egg white into the mixture.
• Then add ice and shake until chilled.
• Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a cocktail cherry and serve!

3. French Connection

The French Connection is a cocktail that is deceptively simple – it can be assembled in under 30 seconds! This drink, once popular in the 70s, is known for its rich taste that combines amaretto and cognac. Serve this drink in an old-fashioned glass and garnish with orange zest for a visually striking cocktail.

Ingredients:

• Amaretto
• Cognac
• Orange zest for garnish

Process:

• Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice.
• Add cognac and amaretto into the glass.
• Give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with some orange zest and serve!

4. Toasted Almond

In the list of the best amaretto cocktails to try this National Amaretto Day, Toasted Almond stands out for its three-ingredient recipe. The drink is thought to be a creamier, no-vodka version of the White Russian. Swapping vodka with amaretto, the result is a smooth, frothy, and decadent drink with a slight bittersweet taste. Let’s take a look at how it's made.

Ingredients:

• Amaretto
• Coffee liqueur
• Cream

Process:

• Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake until well-chillled.
• Strain into an old fashioned glass.
• You can use any garnish of your choice – chocolate shavings, coffee beans, cocoa powder, orange zest, etc.

5. Godfather

Godfather is arguably the most iconic amaretto cocktail thanks to its stint in the cult classic American film, The Godfather. While it peaked in popularity in the 1970s era, it is still considered to be an iconic cocktail. It is enjoyed for its simplicity and refined taste. With just whisky, preferably Scotch, and amaretto, Godfather is warm, smoky, and nutty in each sip.

Ingredients:

• Scotch whisky
• Amaretto
• Orange zest for garnish

Process:

• Pour whisky and amaretto into a whisky glass.
• Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with orange zest and serve!

Summing Up

Amaretto cocktails are known for their simple yet effective flavors. This Italian almond-flavored liqueur is smooth, rich, and quite versatile. This National Amaretto Day, we hope you enjoy experimenting with this liqueur and creating your own amaretto cocktail! Cheers!