Ingredients
Herbs and roots macerated in infusion, sweetened and rounded with the almond-and-apricot-kernel aromatics the Lazzaroni house has used in its amaretti since the 1700s. Sweet hay, marzipan and gentle bitterness rather than heavy root bite.
- ✦Apricot kernel and almond aromatics
- ✦Sweet hay
- ✦Gentian root
- ✦Bitter orange peel
- ✦Cinnamon
- ✦Vanilla
- ✦Assorted herbs
History of the Brand
The Lazzaroni family began baking in Saronno in 1718 and formally founded D. Lazzaroni & C. in 1851, becoming Italy's most famous maker of amaretti biscuits.
The house extended into liqueurs in the nineteenth century, applying the same almond-and-apricot-kernel character that defines its baking.
The amaro is a distinctly Lombard, dessert-leaning style — closer in spirit to a digestivo you would serve with biscuits than to a bracing bitter.
The red-and-gold tins of Amaretti di Saronno and the liqueur range have travelled the world together, which makes this one of the more recognisable Italian names on a back bar.
Tasting Characteristics
Marzipan, dried hay, vanilla and orange peel.
Almond and apricot kernel, honeyed sweetness, cinnamon, a light bitter edge.
Medium, sweet, faintly bitter almond.
Flavor meter
How to serve it
- 01Neat and lightly chilled with amaretti biscuits.
- 02Over ice with an orange twist.
- 03Stirred into espresso as a corretto.
- 04In place of amaretto in a whiskey sour for a drier result.
- 05Poured over vanilla or pistachio gelato.
Where to Get It
Distributed alongside the biscuit brand in many markets, so it turns up in general liquor stores as well as specialists.
Liquor stores
Often near amaretto rather than amaro.
Online spirits retailers
Search 'Lazzaroni Amaro' to avoid the amaretto listings.
Italy
Widely sold in Lombardy, especially around Saronno and Milan.
Affiliate buying links coming soon.
Amaro Lazzaroni FAQ
What is Amaro Lazzaroni?
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A sweet, almond-scented Italian amaro made in Saronno by D. Lazzaroni & C., the family behind Amaretti di Saronno biscuits, bottled at 24% ABV.
Is Amaro Lazzaroni the same as amaretto?
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No. It shares the almond and apricot-kernel aromatics but is a herbal amaro with real bitterness, not a straightforwardly sweet almond liqueur.
What does Amaro Lazzaroni taste like?
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Marzipan and dried hay with honeyed sweetness, cinnamon, orange peel and a light bitter-almond finish.
How do you drink Amaro Lazzaroni?
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Lightly chilled and neat with amaretti, over ice, in espresso, or in place of amaretto in a whiskey sour.
Is Lazzaroni a good beginner amaro?
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Yes. Its sweetness and low bitterness make it one of the friendliest introductions to the category.