About National Amaretto Day
National Amaretto Day is held every April 19th. The national holiday celebrates the sweet, Italian, almond-flavored liqueur invented in 1851.
The Italian word “amaretto” means “a little bitter” and was chosen because the liqueur is made from bitter almonds and apricot kernels. Amaretto can be enjoyed in several ways, both when baking or mixing a cocktail. Amaretto pairs well with chocolate flavors, citrus, red and dark fruits, and spices—like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla.
There are two families that claim the title of amaretto inventors. One tale goes that the Lazaronni family of Saronno, Italy, had been long known for its amaretto cookies, and introduced the sweet liqueur to the market in 1851.
The Reina family on the other hand claims that a widow who posed for Renaissance painter Bernardino Luini in 1525 made her amaretto potion for him. This recipe is said to have been handed down for generations and is currently marketed as Disaronno® Originale Liqueur.
Amaretto is essential to making some of the most popular cocktails and shooters.
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