Celebrate National Amaretto Day With JB Hook's

National Amaretto Day is observed on April 19 annually. Amaretto in Italian means "a little bitter" and is bitter almonds or apricot kernels or both. If no almonds are used, the marzipan flavor is produced by a combination of apricot kernel oil, burnt sugar and a variety of spices. To celebrate National Amaretto Day, JB Hook's is taking a look into the very interesting (and romantic) history of Italy's most famous liqueur.

The Love Struck History of Amaretto

Like many famous cocktails and alcohols, the history of Amaretto is a bit fuzzy and several brands claim to be the creator. However, there is one story that stands apart from the rest. Amaretto is said to be the love product of a widowed innkeeper. Around 1525 in Saronno, Bernadino Luini, a student of Leonardo Da Vinci, was commissioned to paint the frescos of the local church and needed a model to portray the Virgin Mary. The widowed innkeeper was chosen, and the painting can still be viewed in the chapel of Sante Maria Delle Grazie. Afterward, the lovestruck lady created a concoction of brandy and apricot kernels as a symbol of her everlasting devotion. While it's unknown if the relationship lasted, we know the recipe certainly has. At the end of the 18th century, the secret formula became the property of the Reina family, who insists theirs came directly from the innkeeper being passed down from one generation to the next. The Reina family produces Disaronno Originale, which is an infusion of apricot kernel oil, absolute alcohol, burn sugar and seventeen selected herbs and fruits.

While Disaronno Originale claims to be the original, there is another brand who also claims to be the first produced and bottled Amaretto. They claim their formula is based on the widow's old recipe. Many distillers now produce their own brand of Amaretto as well. As far as the original, it's up for you to decide.

Featured Drinks at JB Hook's

Tiramisu 

This signature Martini features Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Espresso & Vanilla Vodka, Creme De Cocoa and Amaretto. It's like drinking your favorite dessert!

Millionaire

Freshly brewed coffee with Amaretto, Kahlua, hazelnut liqueur and Irish cream.

Nutty Irish

Vanilla ice cream is blended together with hazelnut liqueur, Amaretto and Irish cream.

Copper Penny

Vanilla ice cream blended with Kahlua and Amaretto.

These are just a few of our signature cocktails that feature this delicious liqueur. Our talented bartenders can whip up nearly anything you can think of, so if your favorite Amaretto cocktail isn't listed, don't hesitate to order it. Whether you enjoy it straight up or mixed, our bartenders can make sure you celebrate National Amaretto Day the right way.

Enjoy The Liqueur of Love at JB Hook's

Come on into Lake of the Ozarks' best restaurant and enjoy a delicious dinner and Amaretto cocktail to celebrate! If you aren't a fan of Amaretto, don't worry, we have a huge selection of signature cocktails, as well as a large wine list. In addition, our talented bartenders can mix up whatever your heart desires from our fully stocked bar. We hope you join us soon at the best seafood restaurant at the Lake of the Ozarks!

The Lake's Best Ocean Fish and Steaks

Visit us at JBHooks.com
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2260 Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 365-3255 


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