The Best Bubbles For The King's Coronation

Coronations can be once-in-a-lifetime events, so a truly special sipper is needed to celebrate. And if you’re not a Royalist, then it’s a bank holiday and the sun is here so why not drink to that?

King Charles III is apparently in love with a daily martini created using half gin and half dry vermouth, so much so that he takes his own favourite spirits and glass with him on his travels! We’ve gone for something more sustainable over the whole day however...

The rise of English wine has been something to behold, in particular the bubbles that have made a fizzy impression on the international stage. Light, crisp, refreshing and food-friendly, these bottles are the perfect companion for the big day on May 6th!

Specially Selected English Sparking Rosé

Yet again, Aldi are coming up with the goods. After launching this Britannia-themed bottle for the Jubilee, it’s back for the coronation! Produced by Denbies in Surrey under the Bowler & Brolly label, it’s a traditional sparkler with juicy raspberry and moreish brioche notes. It’s perfect for that special feel without breaking the bank.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £16.99 Available in Aldi from 20th April

Winemaster's Lot English Sparkling Classic Cuvée Brut

More brilliant Bowler & Brolly bubbles here with their Winemasters’ Lot Classic Cuvée Brut. Crunchy green apple bite, fresh lime, toasted pistachio, and a touch of honey, this is seriously tasty and well-rounded fizz which you might expect from blends of fine Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (all grown in Hampshire!). Try it and see why the awards panels deem it fit for a King!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99

M&S Coronation Balfour Classic Cuvee English Sparkling Wine

A really elegant and crisp fizz from father and son duo Owen and Fergus Elias, this is made in the traditional method from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Pinot Blanc grapes in Kent. There’s a creamy pepper warmth alongside fresh apple and thyme that works so well, especially when served heavily chilled.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £23

Huxbear Classic Sparkling 2018

This distinct Devon sparkler carries such a vibrant nose of orchard fruits but also a touch of pineapple which opens up into a palate with amazing creamy depth. The acidity is racy, the dryness is so refreshing and it’s super food-friendly too so you can feast like a Royal on the big day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £25.55 (£23 Mix 6 Price)

Langham Corallian NV

Langham produces some of the best English wine around so they have to be an option on a day like the Coronation. Their Corallian uses the legendary grape trio of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay for a clean and complex blend. Crisp gala apple and pear carry through from nose to finish, with butter brioche melding everything together. This is more citrussy than most English bubbles which adds really nice extra depth, as does the touch of salinity on the finish. It’s impossible to get bored of over an afternoon of drinking. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £33 (£29.70 Mix 6 Price)

Virgin Coronation Limited Edition English Sparkling Brut NV

Proudly sporting the Union flag, this really is a wine masterfully made for one day only... although you’ll want it for more than one day only! Lovingly handcrafted in Sussex (one of English wine’s most awarded counties), this limited-edition bottle from coastal vineyard Henners is a blend of traditional English countryside and Champagne pizzazz. The balance of richness and freshness is sublime on a palate plush with zipping lemon, crisp apple, toasted brioche, and a note of loveable warmth throughout. Sublime.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £34.99

Nyetimber Coronation Classic Cuvee MV

From the minute you set eyes on this limited-edition bottle it’s screaming to be popped open for a celebration. And not just any celebration, but a Coronation, because the design is actually inspired by royal garments and uniforms. A signature blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it’s bursting with flavour. Orchard fruits cut through creamy butter and the touch of honey weaved throughout is magical. Not just a delicious drink on the day, but a collectible too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £34.99

Chapel Down Coronation Edition 2016

It’s that same iconic English grape trio again, this time aged on lees for five and half years to create the finest of sparkling wines. If grand celebration was a note this would have it. Ripe apples, sun-kissed red berries and toasted brioche intertwine in a blend that marries richness with brightness. A true winemaking achievement from one of English wine’s pioneers.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £65

Hattingley Valley King’s Cuvee

Wines like this show why drinkers are increasingly choosing English fizz over Champagne. Hampshire winery Hattingley Valley have engraved this limited-edition collectable with an elegant floral emblem and coronation date, but it’s what’s inside that’s the real winner. Regal pale in colour, soft and creamy notes marry together within. The citrus is vivid and layered with silky honey and vanilla notes alongside classic orchard fruits, the fullness of flavour is remarkable. If you’re a super Royalist, then they even do a charming Engraved Oak Case for a personal touch!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.7%
Find here: £85

Ridgeview Royal Coronation Trio

For a real celebration, one bottle just won’t do. Neither will two! So how about three? Ridgeview commemorates King Charles III’s coronation with this trio of sparklers, all previously served at royal occasions such as the King’s first State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. The Bloomsbury was the official Jubilee wine, Cavendish has been the go-to for UK Prime Ministers visits with expressive red fruits and finesse, and lastly, the sophisticated Fitzrovia Rosé was served to Barack Obama on his trip here. If you don’t manage to finish all three amongst yourselves (you will when tasting we’re sure) then a coronation bottle stopper is included as is a bespoke gift box. The complete coronation package that has been at the heart of some of the Royal’s biggest events – what a treat.

Size: 750ml x 3
ABV: 12%
Find here: £117 Box of 3 (down from £130!)

If you want something similarly special but non-alcoholic to celebrate, then check out these delicious Sparkling Teas that people are loving as fizzy alternatives!  

What are Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable Wines?

Organic eating has had far more press than organic drinking over the last few years, but as people grow increasingly aware of what they consume, the tide is changing. Just like with the food industry, you’re likely to stumble across a few different terms, certificates and techniques that overlap with one another, but these buzzwords can cause confusion. So, to clear it up, here is a clear breakdown of what ‘organic’, ‘biodynamic’, and ‘sustainable’ actually means for wine.

What are organic wines?

In the simplest of terms, organic wine means that the wine uses organically grown grapes. To be able to call itself organic, the vineyard has to have the relevant organic farming certification from the country it’s in, which indicates that 100% organic ingredients have gone into it, so artificial fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, colouring agents, and concentrated wine additives are prohibited.

This isn’t to say that nothing can be added, however, because an organic wine may still use yeasts and fining agents, some of which are not vegan. Also, bear in mind that because regulators differ from country to country, organic is a loose definition. For example, in the US sulphur is not permitted, but in Europe, it can be up to 100ppm… which is why some American bottles are labelled, ‘made using organic grapes’ rather than simply ‘organic’ – confusing we know!

What are biodynamic wines?

Centred around the work of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic wines build on organic wine production by not only embracing the regulations of organic wine, but by considering the vineyard as a wider ecosystem.

The aim is to find ecological balance and self-sufficiency through the interconnectivity of everything in the vineyard. Lunar cycles are involved, as are astrological influences and very specific soil preparations to work within the biodynamic calendar. Some of the most prestigious wine producers in the world swear by these practices not just to produce healthier, more natural grapes, but to make sure that the vineyard is still thriving in years to come. Producers such as Maison Chapoutier in the Rhône Valley and even Domaine de la Romanée Conti in Burgundy are biodynamic. You’re not likely to see an official biodynamic certification on labels, however. Instead, it will probably be labelled as organic with something like ‘made according to biodynamic methods’ on the bottle.

What are sustainable wines?

Making sustainable wines is more practical than organic winemaking, because if something isn’t economically viable, it may be skipped over as long as the overall production maintains biodiversity, conserves water, and embraces renewable technology.

Like biodynamic winemaking, there is no formality to the certification although there are international standards such as the ISO that are widely recognised. Generally, compromises are allowed so a business can be profitable but, when possible, the environmental option must be pursued. To give an example, if there were a situation where the choice was to either let some vines die or to use pesticides and save them, the pesticides would be used at the expense of the organic label.

Of course, there are fantastic wines that meet all of these classifications, as well as many that meet none, but we’re all for winemaking that looks to be as natural, waste-free and environmentally friendly as possible. Often, the wines do seem more vibrant with brighter flavours, and many drinkers never go back!

If you want to taste some delicious organic wines then check out the wonderful organic whites, pinks and reds here!

Aperol Spritz and Nuggets: The Perfect Cocktail and Comfort Food Pairing

Since its arrival in 2011, Aperol Spritz has established a sun-soaked spot in the hearts of British drinkers. The iconic Italian aperitivo can be seen glistening amongst groups of friends socialising outdoors as we welcome in the much-needed warmer months… and now it has the food pairing to complete that occasion!

Uniting with, NUGS, the UK’s first dedicated gourmet nugget specialists, the two have created three delicious pairings to enjoy alongside one another. Simple and comforting food is more popular than ever, and the humble chicken nugget is surely the king of that, but these aren’t any old nuggets.

Aperol’s unique bittersweet flavour is offset by three new Italian-inspired creations. ‘Life is butter with garlic’, ‘Mozzar-hella good NUGS’, and ‘Simply the zest’ are available alongside Aperol Spritz from 19th-21st April at their special crossover kiosk in King’s Cross, London. If you’re too late this time around or just situated elsewhere, stop your sobbing and keep your eyes peeled at any festivals and events over the summer instead because they’ll be making an appearance all summer long!

The fun pairing and sharing menu looks as good as it tastes and is stacked with different options from extra sauces to vegan cauliflower nuggets and gluten-free options, so everyone can gather around for a ‘Britalian’ celebration of simple but delicious feasting. It’s not a crossover we expected, but it’s definitely one we’re happy to try.

6 Sparkling Teas You Need To Try

Drinking a quite staggering 150 million cups of tea a day, Brits famously love the stuff, but this doesn’t mean everyone is overly keen to experiment with how they drink it.

A hot cup of tea has more than cemented its place as drinks royalty, but as we say goodbye to the cold and grey days and welcome in the sun, a hot cup of tea doesn’t have quite the same pull so we’re here to let you know about the newest way to drink tea – chilled and bubbly!

Aside from being another way of enjoying tea, sparkling tea is also a fantastic non-alcoholic alternative to sparkling wines so let us introduce you to some of the most delicious ones out there to try.

Belle & Co. Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé

You wouldn’t expect such well balanced fizz for the price, but that’s exactly what you get with this. The level of sweetness is perfect, as is the effervescence and it’s built a reputation for being almost identical to alcoholic Rosé. The green tea is not substantial but rounds out the red berry profile nicely. Flawless for under a fiver.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £3.50

REAL Royal Flush

This is a bottle of bubbles that really quenches the thirst for a sparkling wine like Prosecco. Produced in the Chiltern Hills, it uses first flush Darjeeling that carries rhubarb and notes of stone fruits in what is a really fruit-forward mix. The touch of acidity on the palate makes it great alongside various dishes such as grilled fish. And it’s top-notch value!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0.5%
Find here: £8

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea BLÅ

Whilst working at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Copenhagen, Jacob Kocemba decided to treat tea in the same way as grapes. At first, this was a handy way to pair drinks with desserts, but it turned out so good that the rest is history! They now have a really neat portfolio of bubbly teas, with BLÅ being one of their newest. It’s actually inspired by 13 different teas, most noticeably jasmine but also Darjeeling and various white teas. The result is a delightfully complex and aromatic fizz that feels soft and fresh. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company has been doing this longer than anyone, so it’s no surprise that this feels astoundingly well put together. A must-try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £13.75 (usually more!)

Saicho Darjeeling

We’ve enjoyed Saicho for a while now for its distinctive tea flavour, such as this stylish bottle of Darjeeling picked from the Himalayan foothills. Fresh peach and orange peel balances out a more savoury, herbal side with anise and lavender in this really stylish and flavoursome fizz.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £15.74

Fortnum's Rosé Sparkling Tea

Fortnum and Mason have included 8 certified organic teas in this fizz that not only carries really moreish and complex flavours but tannins you would expect from a wine too. Hibiscus and jasmine tea come to the fore and despite the lightness, every sip feels like a treat. Deep and lingering Darjeeling anchors the loftier tropical fruits, cranberries, subtle ginger and fresh elderflower and raspberry. If you’re looking to retain your caffeine hit then there is 150mg per litre too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.95

Jing Jasmine Pearls Sparkling Tea

The jasmine-scented green tea here is sublime, pulled together by tea maker Liu Guioqing in Shekou Garden in China. Everything about the fizz and bottle screams elegance, with reinvigorating green tea depth, refreshing dry mouthfeel and sophisticated natural notes of jasmine flower and honey. Delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £21

After even more tasty no-low alcohol drinks? Check out these varied beauties!

Jennifer Lopez Reveals 'Delola'

It seems like even J-Lo got bored over lockdown because during that time, with the help of industry veterans Ken Austin and Jenna Fagnan, her business partner Benny Medina and ‘The World’s Best Bartender 2021’ Lynnette Marrero, she was busy brewing up ideas for a new drink.

Addressing her 241 million Instagram followers, her secret project moved from the down-lo to #OnTheJLo – the tagline for her new brand.

Delola is her own new cocktail brand, and their first release comes in the form of natural premium spritzers. If you’re wondering about the name, ‘Lola Lopez’ is her ‘playful and carefree’ alter ego, a spirit she’s embracing with this first fleet of bubbles.

Bella Berry is a vodka, berry and hibiscus mix, Paloma Rosa Spritz uses tequila, grapefruit and elderflower and finally there’s L’Orange Spritz with amaro, orange and passionfruit. Crucially, they involve a plethora of natural botanicals to create a low-calorie, gluten free ready-to-drink mix that’s waiting to come alive over ice. Or as the star herself put it, “better ingredients, better taste, fewer calories than traditional cocktails, and one simple pour” and “easy, fun, fresh and delicious”.

Unusually for many ready-to drink cocktails, each one arrives in a beautiful glass bottle which definitely helps to recreate the experience factor that makes cocktails so special. Priced at $22.99 for 750ml bottles and $11.99 for 375ml bottles, this is a bit of a leap from the affordable on the go cocktail cans we’re used to, and with a deluge of celebrity faced drinks now on the market, it will be interesting to see whether these cocktail spritzers can become a household name just like J-Lo!

8 Delicious Argentinian Malbec Wines for Every Budget

Relatively unknown decades ago, Malbec is now one of the most reliably delicious wines on any wine list. But that doesn’t mean you should just settle for picking any old bottle!

In particular, we love Argentinian Malbec at The Three Drinkers. Whether from Salta, Patagonia or Mendoza, the variety of flavours is always a delight and only getting better!

Whether you like your Malbec easy-drinking and fruity or rich and robust, these are gems that overdeliver no matter your budget.

Malbec for UNDER £10

Catena Zapata Alamos Malbec

This is a fantastic value high altitude Malbec using grapes grown at some of Mendoza’s highest vineyards, filled with intense flavour from bright sun, cool evenings, and mineral-rich mountain water. Juicy plum is at the fore, supported by notes of dark cherry and blackberry from some additional Syrah and Bonarda added in. For the price, it’s so well balanced and would go down a treat with grilled meat and veg.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (usually more!) // US $16.99

Graffigna Reserve Malbec

Sticking with the high altitudes, we’ve loved this Uco Valley Malbec for a while now. Voluminous, fresh, and fruit-forward, it’s rich and chocolatey with standout notes of ripe blueberry and black cherry as well as a welcome touch of spice. At this price, it’s a steal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (usually more!) // US $12.99

Graham Norton’s Own He Devil

Graham’s range of wines has proved pretty interesting, particularly the Sauvignon Blanc and Prosecco. This Mendoza Malbec is no different, filling your mouth with luscious deep purple and jammy plum. There are more complex Malbecs out there, but for something smooth, easy-drinking and well-rounded under £10, you can’t go wrong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.50

Malbec for £15-£20

Luigi Bosca Malbec Selección De Vistalba

Bodega Luigi Bosca is one of the oldest family wineries in Mendoza, and this benchmark Malbec is made using grapes from 50-year-old vines followed by 12 months of oak ageing. For under £20, the result is superb. It’s rich and plush with floral aromas, followed up with ripe red and dark fruits. A little liquorice and toasted spice add alluring complexity too. This really is exceptional, and we’d recommend taking it in on its own, though it will be fantastic served with a steak or any hearty stew-type dish too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%    
Find here: £16.99

El Enemigo Malbec

El Enemigo translates as The Enemy, and if the saying goes, ‘keep your friends close but enemies closer’ then we’re absolutely fine with that because this Uco Valley Malbec is delicious. It’s lighter than most Malbecs, with an acidic spine perfect for hearty meals. There’s so much depth of flavour too, with harmonious notes of peach, orchard fruits and blackberry as well as a woody earthiness and minerality. It works so well! Random fact: lead winemaker Alejandro Vigil even has a tattoo of the Malbec grape on his arm, so you know how much love has gone into this!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £18.20 // US $29.99

Alpasión Malbec

In the Uco Valley, a group of friends sat around and decided to start a winery. That winery is Alpasión, and they’ve now got a reputation for stonking Malbec. There’s elegance in the velvety texture and balance of dark fruits and chocolatey oak, but also serious power and body to it that keeps you wanting more. Classy and classic Argentinian Malbec done masterfully.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99

Malbec for £20+

Susana Balbo Signature Malbec

If you’re talking about Argentinian Malbec then it’s only a matter of time before Susana Balbo is mentioned. She’s one of the most renowned female winemakers in the country, known for her influential portfolio of elegant blends. This brings us to her Signature Malbec. With raspberry, plums and currants intertwining alongside delicate smokiness, this is such a good example of making the most out of this varietal. A dash of Cabernet Sauvignon is added for even more structure and depth in a wine that you can explore for hours. Rich, luxuriating, smooth, bold... it’s just everything you want from a quality Malbec.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £21.99 // US $24.99

Chacra Roka Malbec

This is a Malbec that seems to do everything right. The nose is surprisingly floral and jammy, which leads into a finely textured vibrant core of chocolate-covered purple fruits as well as subtle tobacco. The biodynamically grown grapes give a really fresh and natural character to a Malbec that has that inviting depth of flavour whilst remaining light. A very unique and inventive expression indeed!

Size: 375ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £49.95

If you love Malbec as much as us, find out more about its story and its home in the beautiful Uco Valley here!

The Three Drinkers Return for a Third Series on Amazon Prime!

Award-winning drinks duo Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin return to our screens this May for the third series of their award-winning Amazon Prime travel show, The Three Drinkers, joined by special guest ‘Third Drinkers’ Eddy Temple-Morris and Eulanda Shead-Osagiede.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac follows Aidy and Helena as they embark on a cultural and gastronomic journey in and around the picturesque French region of Cognac.

With a lifestyle-focused approach, the duo takes an unpretentious look at the fabulous spirit of Cognac and other local delights, taking in the people, places and local attractions of the region along the way. In classic Three Drinkers style, they bust the misconceptions about cognac through their lighthearted, on-screen approach, helping the audience discover brand new ways of enjoying this world-class spirit from grape to glass. Ditching outdated balloon glasses and mundane tasting notes, this is a series for those who seek to be inspired and learn through humour, quirky facts and takeaway tidbits of drinks knowledge.

The 2-hour series is made up of 4 x 30 minute episodes in which the Drinkers discover the art of cognac with help from famed houses as Courvoisier and Remy Martin, alongside the world famous orange liqueur of the region, Grand Marnier. They also check out local, pioneering gin makers, Audemus Distillery while discovering the fascinating world of mixers, sodas and tonics with Franklin & Sons.

Throughout the series, the team takes a deep dive into highballs and cocktails based on occasion, discover the unique dishes of the region, try their hand at water sports, chocolate crafting, shoemaking, beekeeping, become hotel waiters/waitresses and even collect botanicals from deep within the Charentais wilderness for their own locally inspired gin.

“We like to look at drinks through a lifestyle lens, showcasing these stunning sips in a relaxed, unintimidating setting,” says Helena.

“One of the most important aspects of this series is to highlight that cognac doesn’t belong at the back of your grandparent’s cupboard and we’ll be exploring a number of simple serves and cocktails that the audience can create from the comfort of their homes or be inspired to order the next time they’re at a cocktail bar,” Aidy adds.

The Third Drinkers

This series welcomes Virgin Radio presenter and Persian foodie fanatic Eddy Temple-Morris alongside a returning appearance for travel presenter, journalist and influencer Eulanda Shead-Osagiede. While Aidy and Helena are tasked with inspiring spirit sceptic Eddy into falling in love with the liquid gold of cognac, Eulanda seeks out some of the hidden, lifestyle gems of the region, setting the duo amusing tasks along the way.

A more diverse representation in drinks

Aidy and Helena have been clear on their goals to enable more diversity and equity into the world of drinks. Aidy is a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ and disability diversity representation as the only TV Presenter in the United Kingdom (and one of a small handful globally) with Tourette Syndrome, battling the stigmas of one of the most misrepresented disabilities in the world. Helena has been well known for her stance on female empowerment within the industry, removing the perception that women only enjoy certain spirits.

“It’s been an ongoing mission to showcase that diversity in drinks is possible and we’re delighted to stand with our partners who have helped us make that a reality in this latest series,” Aidy says.

“The importance of on-screen diverse talent amplifies the narrative that all of our voices matter. The Three Drinkers is a beautiful example of this, looking at the talent within the show and I’m so proud to be a part of that movement., says Eulanda, who is a leading voice within the travel entertainment sphere for BAME talent.

“Three series ago we set out with an aim to create a new travel show with a drinks hook,” Helena says, “Nearly six years on, we’re so happy to see how each project has evolved and we can’t wait to share this latest one with the world.”

This armchair series is packed with fun, memorable moments, helping viewers to create exactly what they see on screen at home while inspiring them to visit the region to see it first hand.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac will launch in mid-May on Amazon Prime in 120 countries and territories, in 9 languages. You can follow The Three Drinkers in the run-up to the show at @TheThreeDrinkers alongside Aidy (@Sypped) and Helena (@HelenaSips).

What is Amaretto and How Do You Drink It?

What is Amaretto?

Amaretto is a sweet almond-flavoured Italian liqueur… though it doesn’t always contain almonds. Let us explain…

The history of Amaretto

Amaretto comes from the word, ‘amaro’ which means bitter, and adding ‘etto’ makes it little, so amaretto is ‘little bitter’… but that doesn’t represent the flavour at all (confusing, we know.) Almonds can be sweet or bitter in Italy, so in all likelihood, the drink wasn’t as sweet then as it is today.

The history is unknown and entangled in mythology, romance and two disagreeing families so strap in. From the 1500s onwards, Italians distilling their own drinks was not uncommon. However, Disaronno’s story goes like this. In 1525, a church in Saronno (the home of the liqueur) commissioned a student of Leonardo da Vinci to paint for them. The woman he used as a model was a widowed innkeeper and as a gift of gratitude, she steeped apricot kernels with brandy and presented them to artist Bernardino Luini…thus, amaretto was born.

Perhaps related to the artist or to the innkeeper, years later Giovanni Reina took on the recipe and the liqueur became entrenched into Italian culture. By the 20th century, the Reina’s were selling their ‘secret’ recipe in the Saronno market as ‘Amaretto di Saronno Originale’, a creation we will revisit later on.

For the purpose of balance, the makers of Amaretti di Saronno cookies claim that their family (the Lazzaroni’s) invented the liqueur in 1851, so we don’t know who to believe!

What is Amaretto made from?

Oddly, though very tightly associated with the liqueur because of the flavour, almonds are sometimes not used at all in Amaretto production. The specific inclusions in each amaretto differ, but generally, you will find apricot pits used and other botanicals like vanilla and dark sugar. Disaronno, for example, uses the essence of 17 herbs and fruits!  

What does Amaretto taste like?

Amaretto is a deliciously sweet liqueur, with a subtle nutty flavour, usually almond-like, at the fore. Lower quality amaretto will often be lower in alcohol and sweeter, sometimes in a cloying way. Premium blends on the other hand will be less sugary and you should be able to detect some herbs and spices, slight bitterness, vanilla and cherry. A lot of people even find it reminds them of marzipan and Battenberg cake!

How do you drink Amaretto?

Amaretto over ice is gorgeous if you’ve got a sweet tooth, as it goes down smoothly as a dessert drink. It is also common to drink it with the usual mixers that spirits are paired with, like cola. It’s very versatile and goes with almost anything.

Amaretto is easy to drink because it matches most things pretty well, from fruits to coffee to cinnamon to ginger. This, along with the sophisticated sweetness is why any bar will have a bottle, and why mixologists love it. It packs a flavoursome punch, even when very little is used, so it’s included in many cocktails.

So, if you think it sounds a little too sweet on its own, then try it as one of these delicious cocktails.

Which cocktails can you make with Amaretto?

Amaretto Sour

A classic sweet ‘n’ sour combo wrapped up in a gorgeous frothy texture, the Amaretto Sour is a fantastic place to start with the liqueur. Almond nuttiness and bright citrus combine in this succulent concoction.

Ingredients

60ml amaretto
30ml fresh lemon juice
1 dash aromatic bitters (Angostura)
15ml egg white
Optional garnish: Maraschino cherry

Method
Shake everything without ice to break down the egg white, then repeat with ice and fine strain over ice! You can add more bitters at the end if you prefer that too! Make it how you like!

Amaretto Sidecar

Classically, cognac would be used in the sidecar, but amaretto takes its place here for a sweeter and nuttier twist. It’s also slightly less strong!

Ingredients
60ml amaretto
20ml orange liqueur (Triple Sec)
20ml fresh lemon juice
Optional garnish: orange slice

Method
Super simple. Shake with ice and strain! Voila!

Amaretto Coffee

Because of the dessert-style nuttiness, amaretto also goes really well with coffee. Essentially, this is an Irish Coffee with amaretto instead and we love it.

Ingredients
Nearly a cup of freshly brewed coffee
30ml amaretto
Optional: Whipped cream and cinnamon dusting

Method
Stir amaretto into your coffee – that’s it. You can end it there, or add cream and cinnamon dusting on top to turn it into an even bigger treat.  

Which Amaretto should I try?

Disaronno

If you’re going to try Amaretto, then why not go with arguably the world’s most popular brand? The marzipan reference is strong with this one, despite it not containing any almonds whatsoever. Still produced in Saronno, it’s super smooth with notes of vanilla and cherry and overall, it really is the benchmark.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 28%
Find here: UK £20.94 // US $29.99

Gozio

Gozio is one of the few amaretto bottles to include real almonds, and specifically high-quality bitter ones to bring a sophisticated toasted nuttiness to the blend that also includes peach and apricot fruit essences.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 24%
Find here: UK £22.94 // US $29.99

Adriatico Amaretto

A newer generation amaretto, Adriatico is giving the heritage brands a run for their money. The award-winning bottle uses 100% natural roasted almonds infused with distinct Adriatic sea salt, cocoa, cinnamon and coffee. The finished product isn’t sickly sweet like some and has a morish quality that’s to die for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 28%
Find here: £31.24

That’s everything you need to get started with the delicious liqueur that is amaretto, but we’ve got guides on other drinks for when you’re finished too! Check out the fascinating drinks of Pisco, Vermouth and Absinthe.