An unforgettable, sophisticated fusion of the finest ingredients, amaretto provides the perfect spice for a lazy day. Enjoyed neat or used to spice up desserts, like ice cream, added to cake, cookies, pancake, fruits, or as sauce toppings, it, however, earns repute as a major ingredient for cocktails, namely the classic Amaretto Sour.
While Amaretto didn’t hit the United States until the 1960s (becoming hugely popular by the 1970s to even grab a seat as the second-most popular liquor in the 1980s in the United States), legend has its history interestingly carved out in the 16th century.
Although the certainty of amaretto’s true origin is somewhat shrouded in mystery, with two families laying claim to the popular liqueur. According to the more widely accepted legend, Amaretto traces its origin to Saronno, Italy. In 1525, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie contracted Bernardino Luini, a student of the famed painter, sculptor, architect, and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, to paint a fresco — the Adoration of the Magi, including the Madonna of the Miracles. A beautiful widowed innkeeper served as his muse and the pair along the line had a thing she decided to show her love by gifting Luini a special drink, a delicious treat made from apricot kernels soaked in brandy that would go down memory lane as the first-ever amaretto drink, handed down from generations. From Amaretto di Saronno Originale, shortened to Amaretto Disaronno, and Disaronno Originale in 2001 — although the company name has changed over the years, its distinct taste continues to win hearts over.
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