6 must-try amaretto cocktails

Amaretto experienced significant growth in the cocktail world during the 1960s and 1970s, especially in the United States.

At that time, Americans were eager to try new liqueurs, paving the way for the mass importation of amaretto.

Brands like Disaronno played a major role in introducing this Italian liqueur to the wider public.

Thanks to effective marketing campaigns and collaborations with bars and clubs, amaretto quickly became a popular choice among bartenders.

The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail that gained popularity in the 1970s in the United States, a period when amaretto began to spread in the American market. The traditional recipe has evolved over time, with some adding egg white for a creamier texture, a common practice in many "sour" cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml amaretto
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 10 ml simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Cherry for garnish

Recipe:

1. Mix the amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
2. If using egg white, shake without ice to emulsify.
3. Add ice and shake again.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.

The Godfather is a cocktail that combines whisky and amaretto. It emerged in the 1970s and is reputed to be the favorite of actor Marlon Brando, who played Vito Corleone in the film The Godfather, which inspired its name.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml Scotch whisky
• 15 ml amaretto
• Orange zest (optional) for garnish

Recipe:

1. In an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, pour the whisky and amaretto.
2. Stir gently to mix.
3. Serve as is or with an orange zest.

The French Connection is a cocktail that combines amaretto with cognac. Its exact origin is undocumented, but it was likely created in the 1970s, a time when simple cocktails mixing spirits with amaretto were popular. The name seems to reference the 1971 film of the same name, although there is no proof to confirm this.

Ingredients:

• 35 ml cognac
• 35 ml amaretto

Recipe:

1. In an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, pour the cognac and amaretto.
2. Stir gently to mix.
3. Serve without garnish or with an orange zest.

The Toasted Almond is a creamy variation of the White Russian, using amaretto instead of vodka. It gained popularity in the 1980s. There is no specific documentation on its creator.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml amaretto
• 30 ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 30 ml cream

Recipe:

1. In a shaker, mix the amaretto, coffee liqueur, and cream.
2. Shake with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass.
3. Garnish with a cherry or an orange zest.

The Bocce Ball combines amaretto with orange juice and soda. Its name refers to the Italian ball game, but no precise source indicates its creator or exact origin.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml amaretto
• 90 ml orange juice
• A splash of soda water

Recipe:

1. In a highball glass filled with ice, pour the amaretto and orange juice.
2. Stir gently to mix.
3. Add a splash of soda water and garnish with an orange slice.

The Amaretto Sunrise is a variation of the Tequila Sunrise, substituting tequila with amaretto. The name and visual presentation are directly inspired by the original cocktail, though there is no clearly documented origin for this variation.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml amaretto
• 90 ml orange juice
• 15 ml grenadine

Recipe:

1. In a highball glass filled with ice, pour the amaretto and orange juice.
2. Slowly add the grenadine, which will sink to the bottom and create a "sunrise" effect.
3. Without stirring, garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

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Our advisors will be delighted to introduce you to essential gin brands.