Disaronno Amaretto is an Italian amaretto — a sweet, almond-scented liqueur — and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made in Saronno, in Lombardy, it is among the best-known amaretti in the world. We list it as a warm, easy after-dinner pour: lovely on its own, over ice, or stirred into a cocktail, and a natural companion to our desserts by candlelight.
About the Producer
Disaronno is produced in Saronno by ILLVA Saronno. Its origins are wrapped in Renaissance legend: a local woman is said to have gifted the painter Bernardino Luini a homemade liqueur in 1525, and the recipe was later produced commercially by the Reina family in the early 1900s. The liqueur was known for decades as Amaretto di Saronno before being rebranded as Disaronno Originale in 2001. It is still presented in its signature square, faceted bottle.
Style & Production
Despite its almond-like flavor, Disaronno contains no almonds. The liqueur is built on an infusion of apricot kernel oil, blended with burnt sugar and the essence of seventeen selected herbs and fruits. Apricot kernels naturally carry the bittersweet, marzipan-like note associated with the amaretto style. The result is a sweet, syrupy liqueur, rich and rounded rather than bitter.
Tasting Notes
The aroma is unmistakable — sweet almond and marzipan with a hint of bitter kernel. On the palate it is smooth and sweet, with notes of vanilla, dried fruit and a faint warm spice. The finish is soft and lingering, with that signature toasted-almond character carrying through.
What to Pair It With
Its sweet almond depth is made for dessert. Pour it alongside Mama’s Tiramisu, with Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, or beside a Charcuterie Board. See the full dine-in menu for more pairings.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Disaronno Amaretto is poured at $12, served neat, over ice, or in a cocktail.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Disaronno is made in Saronno, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, by ILLVA Saronno.
What does it taste like?
Sweet almond and marzipan on the nose, smooth and sweet on the palate with vanilla and dried fruit, and a soft, lingering toasted-almond finish.
Does it contain almonds?
No. Despite its almond-like flavor, Disaronno is made from an infusion of apricot kernel oil, which naturally carries that marzipan note, along with burnt sugar and a blend of herbs and fruits.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
