April 19th is a ‘nutty’ holiday for sure! It marks the celebration of National Amaretto Day, one of the world’s most popular liqueurs. The word Amaretto literally means “a little bitter” in Italian—and rightly so. This famous Italian concoction is made from bitter almonds, or apricot kernels. The nuts are infused in pure alcohol or brandy, giving the liqueur a distinctively bold almond flavor.
To celebrate National Amaretto Day, sip on this savory liqueur at home and mix up one of our amazing cocktails featuring this amazing liqueur.
The Godfather
A 1970’s throwback cocktail named after the famous Coppola film. This one’s for the scotch and whiskey lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blended scotch or bourbon
- 1⁄4 oz Amaretto
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass 2/3 full of ice, add the ingredients, and stir until chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Then serve your guests a cocktail they cannot refuse.
The Piacevole
You can’t go wrong with this simple cocktail. The colorful spice of ginger beer helps cut through the bittersweet and rich Amaretto. With just two ingredients, this one’s a cinch to make and is sure to please your happy hour guests.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Amaretto
- 4 oz Stolichnaya Ginger Beer
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a tall highball glass with ice, combine the amaretto with 4 oz of ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Alabama Slammer
Go with this one if you prefer sweeter drinks. The Alabama Slammer features citrusy flavors, along with peach liqueur and sloe gin. This takes the bitterness of the amaretto down a notch or two.
Ingredients
- ½ oz Amaretto
- ½ oz X Rated peach liqueur*
- ½ oz sloe gin
- Splash orange juice
- Splash sweet and sour mix
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. *Be sure to pour X Rated peach liqueur sensually, while giving a sly wink to your party guests. (Just kidding. Please don’t do this.)
- Shake until chilled. Strain into an old-fashioned glass, serve and enjoy!
Amaretto Milkshake
Decadent and rich. This is one dessert cocktail that is certain to please your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Amaretto
- 2 oz milk, (or soy milk)2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender with a cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
We hope you enjoyed this year’s National Amaretto Day cocktails! For the best Amaretto recommendations, ask the friendly experts at your local Spec’s.
Cheers!
