With a delightful almond taste, this bittersweet Italian liqueur makes for a delicious apéritif! Serve alone or mixed into a sweet cocktail, amaretto is a versatile drink that goes down smooth.

Ready to sweeten up your next happy hour? Try some of these fantastic amaretto cocktail blends.

What is Amaretto?

Originally from the Saronno region in Italy, this almond-flavored liqueur is made with natural sources of benzaldehyde, which is what gives it the nutty, almond aroma. 

Different regions may use different ingredients to achieve it, like apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or even whole almonds. Either way, you can count on the delightfully sweet aroma that is synonymous with amaretto.

What Goes Well With Amaretto?

Amaretto is a versatile liqueur that pairs well with many things, including brandy, rum, vodka, and whiskey. It also pairs perfectly with coffee or coffee-flavored liqueur, and fruity or citrusy drinks for sweeter cocktail combinations.

Classic Amaretto Sour

This traditional recipe is refreshing, sweet and sour, and simple to make! It only calls for three ingredients and is one of the best ways to enjoy this liqueur.

Amaretto Sidecar

You may typically enjoy this Sidecar cocktail with cognac but amaretto gives it a smoother, sweeter taste for those who prefer a lighter drink.

Amaretto Stone Sour

Amaretto stone sour is quick and simple to make. It highlights the amaretto flavor and aroma with a splash of sour taste to give it a little more zest. The sweet and sour balance is just right in this simple cocktail.

Amaretto Cherry Limeade

If you love tart and sour drinks, this cherry limeade amaretto is the cocktail for you. With perfectly balanced sweet and sour notes, this is the perfect cocktail to serve at your next happy hour.

Amaretto and Coke

A boozy beverage that doesn’t taste like alcohol, this Coke and amaretto mix is a perfect combination.

Amaretto Coffee

Give your coffee a little more kick with a splash of amaretto. This boozy caffeinated beverage is a warm dessert-like drink.

Amaretto Aloha Cocktail

This tropical cocktail is a sweet mix with a nutty taste. Hosting a luau any time soon? A blender of this should be on the menu.

Blood Orange Amaretto Cocktails

Bittersweet and tangy, this blood orange cocktail is a citrusy concoction you will love. Balanced out with a nutty amaretto flavor, this simple cocktail is as pretty as it is delicious.

Coconut Amaretto Cocktail

With a sweet coconut flavor, this is a savory cocktail that helps keep you cool on a hot summer’s day. Garnish with citrus fruit and serve!

Amaretto Julep

Cool off this summer with this 3-ingredient Amaretto Julep. Combined with bourbon and cardamom bitters, this classic beverage is refreshing and delicious.

Dirty Dr. Pepper Cocktail

Oddly enough, despite the name, this drink doesn’t actually contain any Dr. Pepper. This sugar and spicy drink is a zesty cocktail to impress your guests.

Eggnog Amaretto Cocktail

This Christmas cocktail is a unique twist on your typical eggnog beverage. Festive and holiday-ready, this amaretto eggnog cocktail is a guaranteed hit.

Strawberry Amaretto Smash

Bursting with strawberry, almond, and vanilla flavors, this chilled drink is a perfect summer treat.

Nilla Wafer Martini

Similar to a candy martini, this rich vanilla martini is sweet and savory.

Amaretto by Morning

Give your brunch a kick with this perfect cocktail. No mimosa compares to this combination of sweet peach, almond, and apple flavors.

Snowball

Bitter and sweet at the same time, this ice cream snowball recipe is an amaretto liqueur dessert cocktail your guests will adore.

Banana Amaretto Cocktail

Frozen and refreshing, this banana amaretto cocktail is a summer drink you’ll love to serve! Made with amaretto, Bailey’s, double cream, and milk, with a light hint of cinnamon and spice, this cocktail is going to be the hit of the summer.

Amaretto Stinger

Made with amaretto, almond, liqueur, and white creme de menthe, this amaretto stinger recipe is a unique and delectable drink.

Amaretto Sunrise

Sweet and simple to make, this cocktail is a combination of peach nectar, peach schnapps, and a drop of sweet grenadine.

Amaretto Orange Margarita

This festive margarita is a winter delight you’ll love. Expecting company for the holidays? Serve this drink to score some brownie points with your friends and family!

Godfather Cocktail

Made with only two ingredients, this simple cocktail is about to become your new go-to for events. Your guests will love it and it’s easy to make.

The Godmother

This simple mix is a medley of vodka and amaretto. You can swap vodka with scotch and make it a Godfather cocktail, or with cognac for a French Connection.

Should You Refrigerate Amaretto?

Amaretto doesn’t need to be chilled but certainly is more enjoyable cold. To ensure it keeps, seal the bottle tightly to prevent air from getting in and spoiling the spirit.