Whenever you consider amaretto–the almond-flavored liqueur that originated in Saronno, Italy–Disaronno is just about the start and finish of the dialog. Whereas there are a selection of different manufacturers, Disaronno is the drink’s most recognizable flag bearer.
In reality, the model is so ingrained within the historical past of the drink that it has principally constructed the legend behind it, which traces again to 1525 and includes a Saronno church, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci, and a wonderful younger widow.
On this week’s Bottle Breakdown, we sat down with World Advocacy and Commerce Partnership Supervisor Simona Bianco to study extra about amaretto, the legend behind the beverage, the town from which it hails, and what makes Disaronno stand out from the gang.
Spirited: Are you able to inform us concerning the first time you tried Disaronno and what stunned you concerning the liqueur in addition to the encircling setting?
Simona Bianco: I keep in mind it very nicely. I used to be on a rooftop in Milan on the very starting of the summer time interval. And I used to be supplied a Disaronno Bitter. Earlier than that second, I had at all times considered Disaronno as a basic liquor, to sip on winter days. That event for me was a shock, because the drink was extremely tasty, refreshing and with that candy & bitter taste that I like. After so a few years working on this trade and having tasted so many drinks with Disaronno, that is nonetheless amongst my favorites on the planet.
Spirited: Disaronno hails from Saronno in Italy’s Lombardy area. Are you able to inform us a bit concerning the city the place the enduring amaretto comes from?
Simona Bianco: Saronno is a energetic metropolis with a wealthy cultural heritage. Saronno is definitely greatest identified for being the birthplace of Disaronno that actually means “from Saronno”, so we take satisfaction in placing a highlight on the world.
Spirited: What precisely is amaretto and the way is it made?
Simona Bianco: Amaretto really means “a bit of bitter” in Italian. Originating from the town of Saronno, it’s a candy Italian liqueur usually constituted of apricot kernels, almonds and peach stones. The flavorings are steeped in distilled liquor for an prolonged time period, then strained out. After the aromatics are strained out, sugar is added, typically in a caramelized or burnt syrup.
Spirited: Disaronno (or Amaretto di Saronno because it was known as until 2001) has been round for nearly 500 years. Are you able to inform us a bit concerning the origins of the drink?
Simona Bianco: The nice and cozy, refined style of Disaronno has a lineage courting again to some of the romantic and inventive durations in Italian historical past – the Renaissance. In 1525, the artist Bernardino Luini, an excellent pupil of Leonardo da Vinci – was commissioned to color a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles in Saronno (Madonna dei Miracoli in Saronno, the place the Fresco continues to be displayed in the present day). To painting the Madonna, he selected a wonderful native innkeeper as his muse. As a mark of her gratitude, she ready a particular present for the artist, particularly, a flask stuffed with an amber liqueur, aromatic and delicate. That’s how the legend of Disaronno arose: from a easy gesture of kindness and the distinctive handmade mixture of secret substances.
Spirited: What makes Disaronno completely different from different amarettos on the market?
Simona Bianco: Being that we’re the unique amaretto, Disaronno gives that authenticity that can not be duplicated. The flavorful traits of bitter almonds, Madagascar vanilla and pure caramelized sugar improve the fragrant and alcoholic complexity, giving Disaronno a unprecedented distinctive style. The originale Disaronno will be acknowledged all over the place on the planet due to its iconic bottle and squared cap. Very simple to identify in any bar again!
Spirited: For somebody who has by no means had Disaronno earlier than, how would you suggest having fun with it?
Simona Bianco: Disaronno is a really versatile liqueur. It really works completely neat and on the rocks for a extra basic tasting. For these extra captivated with cocktails, the selection may be very huge: from the basic Disaronno Bitter to the Godfather (Disaronno and Scotch) to the unbelievable preparation up to date high bartenders are capable of create. It actually depends upon what you fancy and what a part of the world you reside in.
Spirited: What’s your favourite method to get pleasure from Disaronno?
Simona Bianco: Disaronno Bitter is certainly my favourite however I like being stunned by the creations of the highest mixologists all around the globe!
Spirited: Do you may have any summer time Disaronno cocktail suggestions we must always learn about?
Simona Bianco: In the course of the hotter months, you may’t go improper with a Disaronno Fizz. The combination of Disaronno and Q Mixers Membership Soda makes for a refreshing deal with that may be loved all summer time lengthy. Very simple to organize at house for a summer time dinner with pals or a barbeque with the household.
Spirited: In 2020, Disaronno launched its first variation, Disaronno Velvet. Are you able to inform us a bit concerning the new liqueur and the way it’s best loved?
Simona Bianco: Disaronno Velvet is extremely clean and boasts the floral character of almonds with nuances of goodies and vanilla. Mixing the distinctive taste of Disaronno Originale and the richness of a velvety cream, Disaronno Velvet is greatest served over ice, or so as to add a contact of Italian class to your favourite cream cocktails. Our newest launch by way of cocktails is the Velvet Batida the place you combine Disaronno Velvet with coconut water and ice. Extremely refreshing and ideal for the upcoming summertime!
