Today is National Amaretto Day! Amaretto is a common ingredient in many dishes and beverages as it is a popular Italian liqueur. Don’t let the Italian word ‘armaro’ meaning ‘bitter’ deter you from the liqueur because amaretto is most known for its strong almond flavoring which comes from the apricot kernel oil, spices and burnt sugar. Almond lovers rejoice!
Amaretto can be traced all the way back to 16th century Italy. Leonardo da Vinci commissioned one of his students, Bernardino Luini, to paint frescoes in a church and because much of the art was inspired by the Virgin Mary so he was in need of a model. He found his muse in a young innkeeper and to pay her gratitude, the young girl concocted a drink from apricot kernels and brandy, creating amaretto.
Almond lovers rejoice! Celebrate National Amaretto Day at your bar by serving up a soothing glass on the rocks or adding some amaretto to your recipes for a bit of flavor!