Disaronno facts for kids
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Type | Liqueur |
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Country of origin | Italy |
Alcohol by volume | 28% |
Proof (US) | 56 |
Colour | Amber |
Flavour | sweet, cherry/almond |
Disaronno Originale is a popular type of amaretto. This amber-colored drink has a special almond-like taste. Interestingly, it doesn't actually contain any almonds! It gets its flavor from other ingredients.
This famous drink is made in a town called Saronno in the Lombardy region of Italy. From there, it is sold all around the world. The company says Disaronno is made by mixing oil from apricot kernels with pure alcohol, burnt sugar, and the special flavors of seventeen different herbs and fruits. The drink comes in a unique, oblong glass bottle. This bottle was designed by a skilled craftsman from Murano, an island famous for its glasswork.
What is Disaronno?
Disaronno Originale is a sweet, amber-colored drink. It is known for its distinct almond-like flavor. Even though it tastes like almonds, it is actually made from apricot kernels. This makes it a unique and interesting drink.
The Story Behind Disaronno
For many years, this drink was known as "Amaretto di Saronno." This name simply meant "Amaretto from Saronno." However, in 2001, the company changed its name to "Disaronno Originale." This was done to help market the product better around the world.
The company shares a fascinating legend about how Disaronno first came to be: In the year 1525, a church in Saronno needed some beautiful paintings. They asked a famous artist named Bernardino Luini to help. Luini was a student of the even more famous artist, Leonardo da Vinci. Luini was asked to paint the church's sanctuary, which is a special part of the church.
The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. So, Luini needed to paint a picture of the Madonna, which is another name for the Virgin Mary. He needed someone to pose for him as a model. He found his inspiration in a young woman who owned an inn. She had recently lost her husband.
As a special thank-you gift for Luini, the kind innkeeper made him a unique drink. She soaked apricot kernels in brandy. This special mixture is said to have created the very first amaretto liqueur. This sweet and flavorful drink was the beginning of what we now know as Disaronno.
How Disaronno is Used
Disaronno is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be served simply, perhaps over ice. It is also a popular ingredient in many mixed drinks. People often mix it with cola, ginger ale, or different fruit juices.
Beyond just drinks, Disaronno can also be added to hot chocolate for a richer flavor. It is also used in a special Italian version of an Irish coffee. One of its most famous uses is in the delicious Italian dessert called Tiramisu. The amaretto liqueur adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this popular treat.