Amaretto Sour cocktail can’t be completed without the presence of the Italian liqueur – Amaretto. This almond-flavored liqueur, made from apricot kernels, real almonds, and peach stones, imparts sweetness, making delicious cocktails.
We’ve tried numerous Amaretto liqueurs; some are overly sweet, while others exude the right balance of nutty flavors.
So, if you’re looking for the best Amaretto brands, check out our list of Amaretto liqueurs you should try next.
Top 10 Amaretto Liqueurs To Try
1. Disaronno Amaretto
Average Price: around $31/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 28% ABV
Nose: almonds and herbal extracts
Palate: rich apricot kernel oil and almond flavor
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Disaronno Amaretto is an Italian liqueur exuding an iconic aroma of almonds with a velvety-smooth taste. So, its consistent quality and versatility have made it a staple in homes and bars.
“We tell our story to explain Disaronno’s success and to reinforce the fact that we are the original Amaretto.” – Domenico Toni, Global Sales Director at Illva Saronno
Besides, no artificial extracts are used in Disaronno Originale Amaretto liqueur, although it’s not made from real almonds (since it’s made from apricot kernels).
Disaronno’s incredible versatility extends to enhancing cocktails and substituting sweeteners. For instance, we try it instead of simple syrup for an elevated old-fashioned.
But what can you mix with Amaretto?
Tip: We like the flavor balance of Disaronno Amaretto liqueur over the Hiram Walker Amaretto, which we do not recommend for sipping.
2. Adriatico Amaretto
Average Price: around $38/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 28% ABV
Nose: Chocolate, coffee, and vanilla
Palate: Toasted almonds, cinnamon flavor
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: We like Adriatico Amaretto for its balanced sweet almond flavor, fragrant aroma, and smooth, velvety palate.
Crafted from meticulously selected roasted almonds, harmoniously infused with cinnamon, coffee, chocolate, and vanilla, this yields a sophisticated, drier Amaretto.
The intricate flavor profile unfolds honeycomb toffee, bitter almond, and almond butter notes.
The moderate sweetness and versatile character make it a superb choice for sipping neat or elevating cocktails, like Italian Margarita and French Connection.
Read: Recommended Cherry Brandy Liqueurs
3. Luxardo Amaretto
Average Price: around $29/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 24% ABV
Nose: Essential oils, peach stones
Palate: Apricot and cherry pits
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Luxardo Amaretto entices our palates with its intense almond fragrance and a well-balanced taste profile.
Its flavor’s richness and versatility in classic and inventive cocktails set it apart, combining peach pits, cherry pits, and apricot pits alongside almond extract.
Notably, a fusion of herbs and stone fruit creates a spicily aromatic profile, complemented by a mildly bitter almond palate, making it an excellent pick for refined drinks.
Read: Top Alcohols To Mix With Sweet Tea
4. Bepi Tosolini Saliza Amaretto
Average Price: around $27/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 28% ABV
Nose: Sweet almond, orange peel
Palate: Bitter almonds
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Bepi Tosolini Saliza Amaretto is an Italian masterpiece, providing a complex aroma, a silky palate, and a satisfyingly bittersweet finish.
Besides, we also enjoy the candied apricot, macaroon, hints of orange zest, and traces of vanilla within the flavor profile.
If you want a premium-quality Amaretto, we recommend this almond liqueur, which is perfect as a cocktail ingredient or for sipping straight.
5. Gozio Amaretto
Average Price: around $27/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 24% ABV
Nose: Toasted almond and apricot pits
Palate: Burnt sugar, candied apricot
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Gozio Amaretto stands out for its intricate nose and delightful almond taste. We also like its light-bodied mouthfeel – a truly delicious Amaretto.
Overall, Gozio Amaretto stands out for its harmonious flavor balance, making this Amaretto liqueur a good mixer for cocktails.
Actually, it combines fruit essences, burnt sugar, and alcohol, then steeped for 60 days. So, Gozio Amaretto shines with a clean, toasted almond taste and a light mouthfeel.
Read: Guide on Liqueurs
6. Lazzaroni Amaretto
Average Price: around $27/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 24% ABV
Nose: Almond and apricot stones
Palate: cocoa and molasses
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Lazzaroni Amaretto carries a charming marzipan-like scent and a sweet, straightforward palate.
Adhering to the time-honored Amaretto recipe, Lazzaroni maintains a flawless harmony between apricot and almond, providing delightful autumnal notes.
Its delightful almond flavor profile makes it an enjoyable option for mixing in cocktails or if you want to drink Amaretto straight.
Read: What To Mix With Grand Marnier
7. Knight Gabriello Amaretto di Toscana
Average Price: around $21.99/750ml (Total Wine & More)
Alcohol Content: 28% ABV
Nose: Spicy aroma
Palate: Honey, nutty, bitter almond
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: We like Knight Gabriello Amaretto di Toscana for its captivating nose, complex palate, and luxurious mouthfeel. The bitter almond, sweet notes, and slightly spicy hint dance pleasantly on our palate.
However, some may find this Italian liqueur a little too complex, so that it can be overwhelming in cocktails. But for those seeking a complex Amaretto liqueur, we highly recommend this one.
8. Caffo Amaretto
Average Price: around $19.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 30% ABV
Nose: Sicilian almonds, herbs, and baking spice
Palate: Fruit stones and almond flavors
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Caffo Amaretto provides a bold aroma of Sicilian almonds and a pleasantly sweet palate. This is the best Amaretto if you want something less complex.
Besides, it’s suitable for beginners due to its affordability and approachability, making it an excellent choice for any traditional recipe.
Unlike pricier renowned brands, this bottle comes at a lower cost and, notably, lacks any artificial aftertaste.
9. Bols Amaretto Liqueur
Average Price: around $13/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 24% ABV
Nose: Nutty and aromatic
Palate: toasted almond flavored and caramel
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This Italian liqueur boasts a straightforward almond flavor on the nose and the palate. This Amaretto provides pleasant notes of honeyed almonds, perfect with vanilla ice cream.
If you want to tone down the sweetness, it tastes great with lemon juice or simple syrup in a cocktail. But if you’re a sweet tooth, like us, this is a perfect Amaretto liqueur.
Read: Top Alcohols To Mix With Orange Soda
10. Amaretto Di Amore
Average Price: around $13/750ml (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 21% ABV
Nose: Burnt sugar
Palate: Sweet almonds
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Amaretto Di Amore delivers a familiar almond scent and a balanced, sweet taste. Notably, we like its classic amaretto taste, making it a reliable choice for cocktails.
The crushed apricot kernels make up this Amaretto liqueur, imparting the rich almond flavor finish. If you want to mask the complex alcoholic flavors of a cocktail or you want something candied, this is a must-try.
Note: The star rating was determined based on flavor intensity, aroma, smoothness, versatility, and balance of sweetness.
Things We Considered
Alcohol Content (ABV)
Amaretto typically ranges between 20-28% ABV. Within this ABV range, Amaretto liqueur makes a delightful and approachable choice for various occasions.
Sweetness
The sweetness of Amaretto [1] can vary, from moderately sweet to richly indulgent, catering to a wide range of taste buds.
If you want the bold sweetness, we suggest opting for Bols Amaretto, Amaretto di Amore, and Caffo Amaretto.
Uses
Amaretto is not just for sipping. Its complex flavor profile enhances both classic and innovative cocktails, as well as culinary creations.
But not all Amaretto is best for sipping, so opt for versatile ones like Disaronno Originale Amaretto or Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira liqueur.
Versatility
A hallmark of quality Amaretto is its adaptability in cocktails, from the classic Amaretto Sour [2] to creative concoctions that can be a dessert replacement.
“Amaretto is where the warmth of almonds embraces the spirit, crafting a symphony of flavor that lingers in every sip.” – Liquor Laboratory
In terms of versatility, go for an Amaretto with a well-balanced profile like Disaronno Amaretto, Lazzaroni Amaretto, and Gozio Amaretto.
Ingredients
While crushed almonds are a common base, the choice of ingredients and production methods can greatly influence the final flavor profile and quality of an Amaretto liqueur [3].
FAQs
What are some cheap Amaretto labels?
Cheap Amaretto labels include Bols Amaretto Liqueur, Di Amore Amaretto, and Caffo Amaretto. These budget-friendly brands provide delightful almond flavors and a touch of sweetness, making them ideal for mixing in cocktails [4] or enjoying on their own.
What brand of Amaretto is best for an Amaretto Sour?
The best brand of Amaretto for an Amaretto Sour is Disaronno Amaretto. It’s a popular choice due to its well-balanced flavors complementing the sour mix.
What sets Disaronno apart as one of the top amaretto brands?
Disaronno is often considered a top amaretto brand due to its smooth and distinct almond flavor, iconic bottle design, and long-standing history as one of the most popular amaretto liqueurs worldwide.
What makes Luxardo a notable amaretto brand?
Luxardo is known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional production methods, resulting in a rich and complex amaretto flavor that’s favored by mixologists and enthusiasts alike.
Why is Lazzaroni recognized as one of the best amaretto brands?
Lazzaroni boasts a legacy dating back to 1851, producing authentic amaretto liqueur with a well-balanced sweetness and pronounced almond character, making it a favorite for classic cocktails and desserts.
What attributes make Di Amore stand out among amaretto brands?
Di Amore is celebrated for its affordability without compromising on taste, offering a deliciously smooth and versatile amaretto liqueur perfect for both cocktails and cooking.
What distinguishes Bols as a top amaretto brand?
Bols is renowned for its extensive history in crafting premium liqueurs, including amaretto. With a balanced flavor profile and meticulous attention to detail, Bols amaretto is favored by bartenders for its reliability and versatility.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, each Amaretto brand carries its unique aroma and taste, giving a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship that go into crafting these almond-infused treats.
While Caffo, Bols, and Amaretto di Amore provide pleasant sweetness, Knight Gabriello, Bepi di Solini, Adriatico, and Luxardo give unique and complex profiles.
But in terms of the overall flavor balance, nothing beats Disaronno Originale, especially when mixed in an Amaretto Sour. We like how it incorporates the savory flavors of almonds, herbs, and sweet notes.
So, if you want a fine Amaretto perfect for cocktails or sipping straight, we highly recommend Disaronno. But feel free to explore other options until you find what profile suits your palate. Enjoy!
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/amaretto
- https://issuu.com/chilledmagazine/docs/chilled_v15-i1_issuu/s/15156376
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/liqueur
- https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/5-things-you-didnt-know-cocktails-bartending.htm
