This prosecco and amaretto cocktail is a delicious mix between the bitterness of grapefruit and the sweetness of this iconic liqueur.
Amaretto is a key ingredient in many bars.
Often used in the preparation of amaretto sour, this cocktail recipe highlights the amaretto in a different way: an Amaretto Spritz with grapefruit.
The fine bubbles of prosecco, combined with the sweetness of amaretto and the wonderful bitterness of grapefruit, make this a sublime cocktail!
Fun facts about Amaretto
The original amaretto, the Disaronno, comes directly from Italy, more specifically from the town of Saronno in Lombardy.
The Reina family holds the secret recipe for Disaronno, which dates back as far as 1525!
What’s even more interesting is the fact that it’s still this same recipe that’s used to make the famous amaretto.
Amaretto also has its official day. In fact, April 19 has been named Disaronno Day.
Disaronno in cocktails
Disaronno is an almond liqueur, but not the same almonds that we enjoy eating.
This digestif is actually made from the bitter almond of the apricot kernel.
It’s the notes of almond, vanilla, with a touch of cocoa on the finish, found in amaretto that make this drink super versatile in cocktails.
Some ideas for pairing amaretto in cocktails
If you feel like creating your own cocktails with amaretto at home, here are some ingredients whose flavors pair particularly well with those of amaretto:
- coffee bitters;
- passion fruit puree;
- Apple;
- lemon;
- grapefruit.
Good to know: ingredients with a slight bitterness, such as grapefruit, cut the sweet side of the amaretto.
In cocktail recipes, amaretto is great for making spritzes and old fashioned.
The amaretto spritz
In this recipe, we add grapefruit juice to create a delicious blend with the bitterness of citrus fruit and the sweetness of amaretto.
We also play on freshness by adding prosecco.
Why are we adding bitter?
Adding a dash of bitter to this recipe adds complexity and depth to the flavors.
It helps to diminish the perception of sweetness and gives way to a more pronounced bitterness.
You don’t have any ? No problem, this cocktail can also be made without bitter.
The cocktail will simply be a little sweeter than a “classic” spritz.
Amaretto and grapefruit Spritz
A delicious mix between the bitterness of grapefruit and the sweetness of amaretto.
Ingredients
- 30 ml amaretto
- 40 ml fresh grapefruit juice (about 1/2 grapefruit)
- 90 ml prosecco
- 1 dash of bitter (optional, see NOTE 1)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Put a few ice cubes in a large cup.
- Add the amaretto, grapefruit juice, prosecco and 1 dash of bitter
- Mix well with a long spoon.
- Serve.
Notes
NOTE 1: This recipe can be made without bitter. The cocktail will be a little sweeter than a "classic" spritz. Adding a dash of bitter, however, adds a little complexity and depth to the flavors.
