Here at Craft Gin Club, we know you lot are serious about gin cocktails. And a flavour combination you really love? Gin and amaretto cocktail recipes! We’re a big fan of Disaronno here at Craft Gin Club HQ - it’s the iconic Italian amaretto liqueur, and one you’ll find on the shelf of every bartender worth their salt.

It’s a total bar cart staple that you can enjoy it in many different ways - whether you fancy a sparkling cocktail, a creamy dessert cocktail, or something simple on the rocks. So we’ve answered all your burning questions about the classic liqueur…

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What is Disaronno?

As Rory O'Sullivan, Disaronno’s brand ambassador, explains: “Amaretto – Italian for ‘a little bitter’ - is actually a sweet, almond-flavoured, Italian liqueur associated with Saronno, Italy. Disaronno Amaretto traces its history all the way back to the 16th century.”

What is the difference between amaretto and Disaronno?

Amaretto is a liqueur (with an amber colour and almond taste). Disaronno is a brand of amaretto. Premium amaretto like Disaronno usually tastes less sugary than cheaper brands. Amaretto can be produced throughout the world, but Disaronno is produced only in Saronno, in the Lombardy region.

Is Disaronno sweet?

The iconic Italian liqueur is produced with apricot kernel oil, alcohol, burnt sugar, and 17 different herbs and fruits. There are sweet, nutty notes of marzipan and dried fruits.

Can you drink Disaronno straight?

Yes, you can drink it on the rocks (or with ginger ale), to really let its flavour shine. However, this tasty tipple really comes into its own as a key player on your cocktail shelf. We love a gin and amaretto cocktail! The most iconic of which HAS to be the Disaronno Sour.

What is a Disaronno Sour?

When the Disaronno Sour was invented, it was the coming together of two incredible legacies. The sour - a combination of a spirit and lemon juice - is thought to be one of the oldest styles of cocktail. Add a little Disaronno and pure magic happens! “It’s a classic Italian drink that brings the sun-soaked Italian summer to you in a cocktail,” says Rory. “It’s nice and refreshing on a hot day.”

Even better, It couldn’t be faster or easier to make at home. “The Disaronno Sour is an easy yet exciting cocktail that you can make with a few basic, household ingredients,” says Rory. “ You can add gin as well, to give it an extra kick!”

Watch our video below to see how to easily make this iconic drink with a gin twist.

How to make a Disaronno Sour

15ml gin
50ml Disaronno
25ml lemon juice
5ml sugar syrup
1 egg white (optional)
Lemon slice, to garnish

Add all of your ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake without ice to emulsify the egg. Then add ice and shake again for 20 seconds, or until cold. Strain into a cocktail coupe or glass over ice. Garnish and enjoy!

Now try three more of our favourite gin cocktail recipes with Disaronno!

Cherry Bakewell Fizz

25ml gin
15ml lemon juice
10ml Disaronno
15ml cherry liqueur or 1 tsp cherry jam
Dry rosé sparkling wine, to top
Lemon twist, to garnish

Add the first four ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice until chilled. Strain into a flute glass and top up with chilled sparkling rosé wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Killer Cocktail

Created by Tess Posthumus, winner of Disaronno The Mixing Star in 2013

45ml Disaronno
30ml gin
10ml Campari
10ml passionfruit syrup
30ml lemon juice

Add all of your ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with an orange twist.