Amaretto

Amaretto is a much loved almond-flavored Italian liqueur, perfect to have on hand in your home bar. But did you know it’s also an easy and delicious drink to make yourself? This homemade amaretto recipe requires just a few simple steps and a couple of days to rest, leaving you with a delicious liqueur to use in cocktails, pour over ice cream or give as a tasty food gift to friends.

Homemade Amaretto Ingredients

• Vodka: This is the base of the drink, so you want to use a high-quality vodka for a delicious final product.
• Sugar: The mix of brown sugar and cane sugar provides the sweetness to balance out the vodka for a smooth finish.
• Almond extract: Almond is a key flavor in amaretto. A little goes a long way.

Directions

Step 1: Make sugar syrup

In a small saucepan, bring cane sugar, brown sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Cool liquid completely.

Step 2: Mix ingredients and store

Once cooled, transfer sugar syrup to a 1-quart glass jar. Add remaining ingredients—vodka, almond extract and vanilla extract—and shake well. Cover with a lid and let stand in a dark place for one to three days to allow flavors to blend.

When it’s ready, pour it into glass bottles and label them with the date. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place for up to two months.

Taste of Home

Amaretto Recipe Variations

• Change vanillas: Use the vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor.
• Add spice: Flavor the amaretto with some whole cloves or star anise for a more herbaceous final product.

How to Store Amaretto

For the best quality and longest storage, store your amaretto in a cool, dark place. It doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, making it a great centerpiece on a bar cart.

Amaretto Recipe Tips

How long does homemade amaretto last?

This homemade amaretto recipe lasts for up to two months when stored properly. Make sure to store it somewhere cool and dark for the longest lasting results.

What cocktails can you make with amaretto?

No surprise, amaretto makes delicious amaretto cocktails. Try it in a variety of sours, like this apple amaretto sour. Or go the sweet route with a tipsy iced coffee. How about something completely unexpected? Go for an Italian margarita.