Amaretto Alcohol Percentage: 28% ABV
If you’re a fan of smooth, sweet liqueurs with a touch of warmth and a hint of nuts, then Amaretto is likely already a favorite in your bar collection. This iconic Italian liqueur is beloved worldwide for its almond-like flavor, versatility in cocktails, and rich cultural history. But what about its alcohol content?
While most Amaretto brands fall in the range of 20% to 28% ABV, the classic and most well-known brand, Disaronno Originale, clocks in at a steady 28% alcohol by volume. That puts it in the mid-range of liqueurs—not as strong as a full-proof spirit like whiskey or vodka, but definitely more potent than your average wine or ready-to-drink cocktail.
Let’s explore what makes Amaretto special, how different brands compare in strength, and how that alcohol content affects your drinking experience.
🍸 What is Amaretto?
The name “Amaretto” comes from the Italian word amaro, meaning “bitter.” But don’t be fooled—Amaretto is known for its sweetness more than anything else. The bitterness is subtle, often hidden behind layers of almond, vanilla, caramel, and cherry notes.
Traditionally, Amaretto is made from apricot kernels, almond extracts, or a blend of both, steeped in alcohol and sweetened with sugar or syrup. The end result is a rich, flavorful liqueur that’s as good in a cocktail as it is in a dessert.
🔬 Amaretto Alcohol Content Explained
How Strong is Amaretto?
Amaretto’s alcohol percentage can vary depending on the brand and the recipe. Here’s a breakdown:
Classic Amaretto ABV range: 20% – 28%
Stronger/specialty versions: Up to 32%
Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails: Around 5% – 7%
To compare:
Vodka: 40% ABV
Wine: 12–14% ABV
Beer: 4–7% ABV
So, while Amaretto isn’t as strong as vodka, it still packs a sweet punch. It’s stronger than wine and perfect for low-ABV cocktails or sipping on its own over ice.
🏆 Popular Amaretto Brands and Their Alcohol Percentages
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Amaretto liqueurs and how they stack up in terms of alcohol content.
✅ Classic Amaretto Brands
| Brand | Alcohol Percentage |
|---|---|
| Disaronno Originale | 28% ABV |
| Lazzaroni Amaretto | 24% ABV |
| Luxardo Amaretto | 28% ABV |
| DeKuyper Amaretto | 20% ABV |
| Di Amore Amaretto | 25% ABV |
Disaronno Originale is arguably the most iconic Amaretto. It’s smooth, sweet, and packs a full 28% ABV—great for cocktails or sipping neat.
Lazzaroni offers a more traditional Italian recipe with slightly lower strength at 24%.
DeKuyper and Di Amore offer more affordable options, typically found in flavored cocktails or as mixers.
🔥 Specialty and High-ABV Amaretto Variants
| Brand | Alcohol Percentage |
|---|---|
| Amaretto di Saronno Riserva | 32% ABV |
| Caffè Borghetti Amaretto Coffee Liqueur | 25% ABV |
| Gozio Amaretto | 28% ABV |
| Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur (Amaretto-style) | 20% ABV |
Amaretto di Saronno Riserva is a premium version of Disaronno, blended with Scotch whisky and aged in oak barrels—this one is definitely for connoisseurs and brings a bold 32% ABV.
Caffè Borghetti combines coffee and almond flavors, making it perfect for coffee-based cocktails.
Frangelico isn’t technically an Amaretto, but it often substitutes for one. Its flavor profile (hazelnut, vanilla, and cocoa) overlaps, though it has a gentler 20% ABV.
🥂 Ready-to-Drink Amaretto Cocktails
For those who like their cocktails ready to pour, these pre-mixed Amaretto-based drinks offer convenience and a lighter alcohol experience.
| Product | Alcohol Percentage |
|---|---|
| Disaronno Sour RTD | 7% ABV |
| Disaronno Fizz RTD | 5.9% ABV |
These are great for brunches, picnics, or casual sipping, especially when you want to keep things light and easy.
🍹 How to Drink Amaretto
Knowing the alcohol percentage helps determine how you enjoy Amaretto. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
🧊 On the Rocks
Pour it over ice in a lowball glass. This dilutes it slightly, mellowing the sweetness and making it ideal for sipping.
🍋 Amaretto Sour
One of the most popular Amaretto cocktails. Made with:
2 oz Amaretto
¾ oz lemon juice
Optional egg white for texture
Typically ends up around 12–15% ABV, depending on dilution.
🥃 The Godfather
A two-ingredient cocktail:
2 oz Scotch whisky
½ oz Amaretto
This is stronger, with an ABV closer to 25–30% depending on your pour.
☕ Coffee & Desserts
Amaretto is commonly used in:
Tiramisu
Coffee-based drinks
Cake glazes
Chocolate truffles
Just a splash adds a warm, nutty, boozy twist.
🔄 Comparing Amaretto with Other Liqueurs
| Liqueur | Typical ABV | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amaretto | 20–28% | Almond/apricot kernel base |
| Kahlúa | 20% | Coffee liqueur |
| Baileys | 17% | Irish cream liqueur |
| Grand Marnier | 40% | Orange-flavored cognac liqueur |
| Frangelico | 20% | Hazelnut liqueur |
Amaretto sits in the middle of the liqueur spectrum. It’s stronger than cream liqueurs, lighter than Grand Marnier or Cointreau, making it a great middle-ground option.
🛒 Bottle Sizes & Availability
Amaretto is usually available in the following sizes:
375ml (half bottle) – Perfect for occasional home use
750ml (standard bottle) – Best for regular cocktail mixing
1 liter – Ideal for larger gatherings or bar setups
You can find it at most liquor stores, online alcohol retailers, and even duty-free shops at airports.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Understanding Amaretto Alcohol Percentage
So, what’s the takeaway?
The standard alcohol percentage for classic Amaretto like Disaronno and Luxardo is 28% ABV.
Most Amaretto brands range from 20% to 28%, with specialty versions going up to 32% ABV.
It’s a versatile, sweet, and accessible liqueur—perfect for cocktails, sipping, or enhancing desserts.
If you’re new to Amaretto, start with a Disaronno on the rocks or an Amaretto Sour and build from there.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a cozy evening in, Amaretto’s balance of sweet flavor and moderate strength makes it a delightful addition to your liquor shelf.
Cheers to sweet indulgence! 🥂
