You really want to try this new Amaretto from Villa Massa
Villa Massa, known for its limoncello from Sorrento, Italy, has something new: Amaretto! This smooth liqueur is made from almonds from Sicily. And to put it mildly, they are quite special.
The Massa family ended up in Sicily while searching for the best almonds for their new liqueur. Here, on fertile volcanic soil, where constant sunlight pushes temperatures high, almonds grow with a thick, woody shell. This is where the almonds retain their aromas and develop an intense flavor. Now that’s something you can make a delicious liqueur from!
And that is exactly what the Massa family does. First, the almonds are lightly pressed and then soaked in a special liquid made from cold water and alcohol. This process allows the almonds’ natural flavor to infuse the liquid properly. Finally, the rich juice is filtered and poured into the bottle. The result? A wonderfully smooth liqueur with flavors of marzipan, along with a hint of vanilla, cherry and cacao.
Neat, in a dish or cocktail
I’d say, get a bottle quickly and drink it neat, with an ice cube as an after-dinner drink, drizzle some of the liqueur over an ice cream dessert or use it in a delicious cocktail. For example, make a Tiramisu Martini, or use it to make the Italian cookies called amaretti or a delicious Tiramisu Elliott. If the pandemic has really gone to your head, make a crazy drink by mixing Amaretto with Fristi (really, there are people who do this!) Or do as we did: make a Villa Massa Amaretto Sour!
How to make the Villa Massa Amaretto Sour
- Separate the egg white from the yolk. Collect the egg white in a small dish or bowl.
- Add the Villa Massa Amaretto, lemon juice and egg white to the shaker, and fill the shaker to the brim with ice cubes.
- Shake well for about 10 seconds.
- Fill your glass with ice cubes and pour the cocktail over the ice into the glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel and a maraschino cherry.
Va va va voom!
As of today, Villa Massa Amaretto is available at all Dutch liquor stores (€22.49). Just be careful, because despite its gentle character, the liqueur has an alcohol content of 30 percent. The advantage is that you’re already home and can simply roll straight into bed. Saluti!
